chief characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the main or most important quality or feature of something. Here are some examples: - The chief characteristic of the new smartphone is its advanced camera technology. - Honesty is often considered to be the chief characteristic of a good leader. - One of the chief characteristics of the ancient civilization was their advanced knowledge of astronomy. - In her paintings, the artist's use of color was always the chief characteristic that stood out to viewers. - The chief characteristic of the new car model is its fuel efficiency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My chief characteristic?

The New Yorker

Their chief characteristic is redundancy.

Measurement

"And what would you say is your chief characteristic?" "My chief characteristic?

The New Yorker

In Goa, however, the heat is hardly its chief characteristic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think your chief characteristic is curiosity," I said, capitulating.

The New Yorker

By contrast, the chief characteristic of evil is egocentric heartlessness.

The Times

The D.S.M. called it "the chief characteristic" of all neuroses.

The New Yorker

Its chief characteristic is that it is fast acting.

The New York Times

The building material is stone, and the chief characteristic is that of mass.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

My own chief characteristic?" Baudry asked, as though such a thought had never occurred to him.

The New Yorker

Their chief characteristic – their chief aim, almost – is to resemble works by Marlene Dumas.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief characteristic", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being described. For instance, specify "The chief characteristic of this novel is..." to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "chief characteristic" when describing subjective qualities or preferences. Instead of saying "The chief characteristic of this restaurant is that it's good", be specific about what makes it good (e.g., "The chief characteristic of this restaurant is its authentic Italian cuisine").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes the most important quality or feature of a subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief characteristic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the most important quality or defining feature of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "main attribute" or "defining feature" exist, "chief characteristic" remains a strong choice for clear and emphatic descriptions. Remember to use the phrase precisely and avoid overgeneralizations to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main attribute

Focuses on a quality or feature that is inherent and essential.

primary trait

Emphasizes a specific quality or characteristic, often in personality or behavior.

defining feature

Highlights the characteristic that sets something apart.

key aspect

Points to a particularly important element.

central quality

Stresses the core essence or attribute.

principal attribute

Similar to main attribute, but with a slightly more formal tone.

most important feature

Directly indicates what is most significant.

hallmark

Emphasizes a distinctive and recognizable feature.

distinctive quality

Focuses on what makes something unique.

essential characteristic

Highlights a trait that is absolutely necessary or fundamental.

FAQs

How can I use "chief characteristic" in a sentence?

You can use "chief characteristic" to highlight the most important feature of something. For example, "The "chief characteristic" of the Renaissance was a renewed interest in classical art and literature.".

What are some alternatives to "chief characteristic"?

Alternatives include "main attribute", "primary trait", or "defining feature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the most chief characteristic"?

No, it's redundant. "Chief" already implies the highest importance. Use either "chief characteristic" or "most important characteristic".

What is the difference between "chief characteristic" and "main characteristic"?

While similar, "chief characteristic" suggests the single most important feature, whereas "main characteristic" can refer to one of several important features. The "chief characteristic" is singular and primary.