a defining trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is essential in identifying someone or something. Example: "Her kindness is a defining trait that sets her apart from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Of course for some networks, the remodeling show is not a novelty but a defining trait.

The New York Times

The Mets' inability to produce runs is becoming a defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

Over the years people have framed his Spanishness as a defining trait.

The New York Times

What does the scissor shot have to do with the Federer gap? Flash is wonderful as long as it's not a defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a challenging process that most producers and DJs shirk, but she's turned it into a defining trait.

Vice

The recourse to oral literature schemes made it into his writings, where it became a defining trait.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

However, by focusing on well characterised effects in a defined trait, instead of general inbreeding depression in fitness, we have shown that it is possible to identify major genetic factors and these will likely be amenable to detailed molecular characterisation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The impact of his works was also a contributing factor to preserving a noted interest in rural subjects, a subsequent defining trait in modern Romanian literature.

Wikipedia

As a result, most emerge with little more than a single defining trait — the modest one; the headstrong one; the outsider — that's nevertheless enough to keep us engaged.

The New York Times

If there is a single defining trait in the long fall of print, it's that the data is consistently inconsistent.

TechCrunch

In general terms, the disability rights critique raises the worry that prenatal testing and selective abortion risk further stigmatizing disabled people, reducing them to a single defining trait, and harming disability communities.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, ensure that the "defining trait" is not a stereotype but a genuinely observed behavior or quality. For example, instead of saying "Stubbornness is a defining trait of people from X", use "Persistence is a defining trait of the project team, evident in their relentless problem-solving."

Common error

Avoid using "a defining trait" for qualities that are subjective or based on personal opinion. Instead, focus on objective and verifiable characteristics. For example, instead of saying "Beauty is a defining trait of this artwork", consider stating "Intricate detail is a defining trait of this artwork, noticeable in the fine lines and textures."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining trait" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, specifically as an adjectival phrase. It is used to attribute a particular characteristic as being essential or significant to the noun it modifies. This can be seen in Ludwig examples where it is used to describe qualities of people, concepts, and even eras.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining trait" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight a crucial characteristic of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase is versatile, appearing across news, wiki, scientific, and academic contexts. When using "a defining trait", it's best to focus on objective qualities and avoid subjective opinions to ensure clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "a key attribute" or "a distinguishing feature" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a characteristic feature

Focuses on the characteristic aspect, emphasizing its role as a feature.

a key attribute

Highlights the importance of the attribute in defining something.

a crucial aspect

Emphasizes the critical nature of the aspect in identifying something.

a distinguishing quality

Focuses on the quality that sets something apart.

an essential characteristic

Highlights the fundamental nature of the characteristic.

a hallmark

Implies a distinctive and recognizable feature.

a central element

Stresses the importance of the element in the overall composition.

a typical characteristic

Conveys the commonness of a trait within a group.

a signature attribute

Suggests a unique and easily identifiable feature.

a definitive quality

Emphasizes that the quality is conclusive and authoritative.

FAQs

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

Use "a defining trait" to describe a characteristic that is essential to the identity or nature of something. For example, "Resilience is "a defining trait" of the human spirit".

What are some alternatives to "a defining trait"?

Alternatives include "a key attribute", "a distinguishing feature", or "an essential characteristic" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "defining trait" or "defining characteristic"?

Both "defining trait" and "defining characteristic" are acceptable. "Trait" often implies an inherent quality, while "characteristic" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. For example, "Loyalty is "a defining trait" of the fans."

What does it mean to say something is "a defining trait"?

To say something is "a defining trait" means it's a key characteristic that essentially identifies or distinguishes that thing from others. It's a quality that is strongly associated with and indicative of its nature or identity.