a defining trait of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining trait of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is essential to someone or something's identity or nature. Example: "Honesty is a defining trait of her character, making her a trusted friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And how do you deal with a defining trait of the people you are trying to define: their habit of making fun of worthy government proposals?

The New York Times

Integration as a defining trait of orbitofrontal function.

Nature

A drop in fertility is virtually a defining trait of industrialized economies.

The New Yorker

Conflicts of interest have been a defining trait of the Trump Administration.

The New Yorker

The tension between emotional and reflective expressions of patriotism has always been a defining trait of Americanism.

The New York Times

Such consistency of effort, faithful adherence to the grind of the game, was a defining trait of Gehrig.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Genome-wide association analysis between breeds enables us to verify the genetic control of the reseda green shank phenotype, a defining trait for the breed.

Animal Genetics

Each song celebrated a defining trait, favorite activity, or memory of one of her grandchildren.

Yale University

Those people who knew about him sometimes wondered why this dark-minded Jew, fully modern in his view of history as a nightmare, showed none of the stylistic experimentation that, according to the mid-century consensus, was the natural outcome of such a view, and the defining trait of the early modernist novel.

The New Yorker

If the defining trait of a comedian is that he sees some essential truth about the world and himself, Mr. Garlin said, "A little self-loathing goes a long way".

The New York Times

Among contemporary Platonists, the most common view is that the really defining trait of an abstract object is nonspatiotemporality.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defining trait of", ensure that the trait you are describing is indeed a core characteristic and not a superficial attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining trait of" for characteristics that are merely common or prevalent, rather than truly essential or unique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining trait of" functions as a nominal phrase that introduces a characteristic considered essential or fundamental to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and grammatically correct. The phrase modifies a noun, highlighting a key aspect of its nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a defining trait of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the fundamental characteristics of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts and is suitable for formal and analytical communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the trait genuinely reflects a core aspect rather than a superficial feature. Consider alternatives like "a characteristic feature of" or "an essential quality of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining attribute of

Simply swaps trait for attribute but keeps the core meaning.

a characteristic feature of

Focuses on a specific attribute that distinguishes something.

a key attribute of

Emphasizes the importance of the attribute.

an essential quality of

Highlights the fundamental nature of the trait.

a distinctive aspect of

Stresses the uniqueness of the aspect.

a fundamental aspect of

Emphasizes that the aspect is basic and foundational.

a hallmark of

Implies that the trait is a signature or identifier.

an inherent characteristic of

Stresses that the characteristic is innate and natural.

a central element of

Focuses on the core importance of the element.

a signature element of

Highlights a very recognizable part.

FAQs

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

Use "a defining trait of" to highlight a core characteristic that fundamentally identifies something. For example, "Resilience is "a defining trait of" successful entrepreneurs".

What are some alternatives to "a defining trait of"?

You can use alternatives like "a characteristic feature of", "a key attribute of", or "an essential quality of" to express similar ideas.

Is it correct to say "the defining trait is" instead of "a defining trait of"?

Yes, "the defining trait is" is grammatically correct, but it implies there's only one such trait. "A defining trait of" suggests one among possibly several defining characteristics.

What's the difference between "a defining trait of" and "a common trait of"?

"A defining trait of" indicates an essential, distinctive characteristic, while "a common trait of" simply means a feature that is frequently observed. Not everything that is common is defining.