a definitive attribute of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive attribute of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is essential or conclusive in defining something. Example: "Honesty is a definitive attribute of a trustworthy leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A report of tingling, paraesthesia, numbness, clumsiness, weakness as well as increased symptoms associated with elbow flexion was regarded as definitive attributes of a nerve dysfunction.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

The survey did not stipulate a definitive definition of SDM.

BMJ Open

A single study rarely provides a definitive answer because of limited sample size and the specific attributes of particular study populations.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A general consensus was sought on the most definitive attributes that influence treatment decisions.

Human Reproduction

They had mined troves and troves of news articles with the aim of creating a definitive record of what had happened in Latin America protest-wise, but in the process they'd attributed the concept "protest" to things that — as far as the researchers could tell — weren't protests.

TechCrunch

Yet in the end, none of the above offer a definitive explanation of the reports last weekend; for one thing, the noises were apparently too widespread to be attributed to sand dunes, giant waves, or even a meteor landing.

BBC

A definitive list of Predrag's references, however, is appended.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

However, a definitive assessment of their respective efficiency is currently not available.

Journal of Computational Physics

He also wrote a definitive history of Muslim North Africa.

Britannica

The military then requested a definitive statement of legallity.

The Guardian

A definitive proof of this came from Fiji.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive attribute of" when you want to emphasize that a particular quality is essential and clearly defines something. For instance, "Attention to detail is a definitive attribute of a successful surgeon."

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive attribute of" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "key characteristic" or "essential quality" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive attribute of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to identify and emphasize a particular quality or characteristic as being crucial and defining.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive attribute of" is a phrase used to emphasize an essential and defining quality or characteristic. While grammatically correct and appearing in reputable sources, Ludwig indicates that it is relatively rare. Its use is most common in formal contexts like science, news, and business. Consider synonyms like "defining characteristic" or "essential quality" to vary your writing and avoid repetition. The phrase is best used when you want to clearly specify what makes something distinctly what it is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining characteristic of

Changes 'attribute' to 'characteristic', emphasizing a feature that clearly identifies something.

an essential quality of

Replaces 'definitive attribute' with 'essential quality', highlighting a necessary trait.

a key feature of

Substitutes 'attribute' with 'feature', focusing on a prominent aspect.

a fundamental aspect of

Emphasizes the basic or foundational nature of the attribute.

a core property of

Uses 'property' instead of 'attribute', stressing an inherent quality.

a hallmark of

Replaces the phrase with an idiom indicating a distinguishing trait.

a trademark of

Similar to 'hallmark', suggesting a distinctive sign or feature.

a diagnostic trait of

Highlights the attribute's ability to help identify something.

a telltale sign of

Uses an idiom to indicate an attribute that reveals something.

an inherent element of

Focuses on the attribute as a natural and inseparable part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a definitive attribute of" in a sentence?

You can use "a definitive attribute of" to highlight an essential quality or characteristic. For example, "Patience is a definitive attribute of a good teacher."

What are some alternatives to "a definitive attribute of"?

Alternatives include "a defining characteristic of", "an essential quality of", or "a key feature of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "definitive" and "attribute" together?

While both words convey a sense of importance, "definitive" emphasizes the conclusive nature of the attribute. The phrase is acceptable if you want to stress that the attribute is both essential and clearly defining.

In what contexts is "a definitive attribute of" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the core or essential characteristics of a subject, such as in academic papers, formal reports, or analytical writing.