characteristic vs way

characteristic

noun
  • A distinguishing feature of a person or thing. 

  • For a given field or ring, a natural number that is either the smallest positive number n such that n instances of the multiplicative identity (1) summed together yield the additive identity (0) or, if no such number exists, the number 0. 

  • The integer part of a logarithm. 

  • The distinguishing features of a navigational light on a lighthouse etc by which it can be identified (colour, pattern of flashes etc.). 

adj
  • Being a distinguishing feature of a person or thing. 

way

noun
  • A degree, an amount, a sense. 

  • A roughly-defined geographical area. 

  • The letter for the w sound in Pitman shorthand. 

  • A tradition within the modern pagan faith of Heathenry, dedication to a specific deity or craft, Way of wyrd, Way of runes, Way of Thor etc. 

  • A state or condition 

  • A road, a direction, a (physical or conceptual) path from one place to another. 

  • A method or manner of doing something; a mannerism. 

  • Acknowledges that a task has been done well, chiefly in expressions of sarcastic congratulation. 

  • Possibility (usually in the phrases 'any way' and 'no way'). 

  • Determined course; resolved mode of action or conduct. 

  • The longitudinal guiding surfaces on the bed of a planer, lathe, etc. along which a table or carriage moves. 

  • A means to enter or leave a place. 

  • Speed, progress, momentum. 

  • The timbers of shipyard stocks that slope into the water and along which a ship or large boat is launched. 

intj
  • yes; it is true; it is possible 

adv
  • Much. 

  • Far. 

  • Very. 

How often have the words characteristic and way occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )