a defining feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining feature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is essential in identifying or distinguishing something. Example: "The ability to adapt to changing environments is a defining feature of successful species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Violent outbursts have become a defining feature.

The New York Times

Memory for antigen is a defining feature of adaptive immunity.

Nature

How did tipping become such a defining feature of restaurants?

The Washington Post

"Kindness is a defining feature of our program.

Yale University

It's a defining feature of social organisms in pain.

University of California, Berkeley

For example, water is a defining feature of the region.

Cornell University

Rising inequality is a defining feature of our time.

Stanford University

The centriole is a defining feature of many eukaryotic cells.

Stanford University

"That's kind of a defining feature of disasters," Dr. Seeley said.

The New York Times

A defining feature of horror movies is that they are targets of critical scorn.

The New Yorker

Improvisational flights, widely considered a defining feature of jazz vocals, play no role in her art.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defining feature", ensure that the feature you are describing is indeed a crucial and distinctive element of the subject. Avoid using it for minor or incidental characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining feature" when the characteristic is not genuinely essential or unique. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and weaken your writing. Ensure the feature truly sets the subject apart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining feature" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and emphasizes a characteristic that is crucial and essential to something. It is often used to highlight what makes something unique or fundamental. Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

40%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining feature" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize an essential and distinctive characteristic of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across academia, news media, and scientific domains. When writing, ensure that the feature truly is a crucial and unique element, to strengthen your message. Be aware of potentially overstating its importance if the characteristic is not genuinely essential. Remember that alternatives like "a key characteristic" or "an essential element" can also be used to convey similar meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key characteristic

Focuses on the importance of the characteristic.

a central attribute

Emphasizes the attribute's core position.

an essential element

Highlights the element's necessity.

a fundamental aspect

Stresses the aspect's basic nature.

a critical component

Indicates the component's importance for the whole.

a distinctive quality

Focuses on the quality's uniqueness.

a hallmark trait

Implies that the trait is a recognized symbol.

a significant property

Highlights the property's importance.

a crucial factor

Indicates the factor's decisiveness.

a primary characteristic

Emphasizes that the characteristic is among the most important.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining feature" in a sentence?

Use "a defining feature" to highlight a characteristic that is essential or unique to something. For example, "Adaptability is "a defining feature" of successful businesses."

What are some alternatives to "a defining feature"?

Alternatives include "a key characteristic", "a central attribute", or "an essential element". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a defining feature" or "a characteristic feature"?

"A defining feature" emphasizes that the characteristic is crucial and unique, while "a characteristic feature" simply indicates a typical or noticeable trait. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight its importance. "A defining feature" indicates that a characteristic is integral, and fundamental to its nature or identity, whereas a 'characteristic feature' simply indicates something that is typical or noticeable but doesn't necessarily constitute its core essence.

Can "a defining feature" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a defining feature" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to emphasize an essential attribute. For example, in academic writing, you might say, "Objectivity is "a defining feature" of scientific research."