chief trait

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief trait" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the most prominent or important characteristic or quality of a person or thing. Example: His chief trait was his kindness, which made him beloved by all who knew him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For next to brutality, opportunism was his chief trait.

The Guardian

But historians say his chief trait was his political dexterity.

The New York Times

The idea that there are civil servants or functionaries within the government whose chief trait is loyalty to the Constitution and to the ongoing administration of the state is intolerable to the autocratic mind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is beneficial with the chromosome-anchored genome sequence for breeding amendment by providing the prominent characterization of markers linked to chief traits.

Botanical Studies

The main trait.

Vice

Tiana's chief personality trait is her industry.

The Guardian - Film

Chief among those traits are jackhammers and construction dust.

The New York Times - Travel

His worship preserved distinctive traits, chief among them an exploration of the analogies between divine love and human love.

Britannica

Beyond their passion for poetry, they shared many predilections and character traits, chief among which was their generosity, their narcissism, and the exhibitionism with which they each cloaked their shyness and deep insecurities.

The New Yorker

"Everything you can do in yeast, you can do in the plant itself with far greater yield and purity," says Trait's chief strategic officer Ronan Levy.

Nature

But in the current era, social responsibility, when portrayed as an individual character trait of chief executives, has allowed corporations to be run as irresponsibly as ever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, use "chief trait" to highlight the most prominent aspect of their personality.

Common error

While "chief trait" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main characteristic" or "key feature" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief trait" functions as a noun phrase where "chief" modifies the noun "trait". It identifies and emphasizes the most prominent or important characteristic of something or someone. As Ludwig AI states, it describes the most prominent or important characteristic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief trait" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the most prominent characteristic of something or someone. According to Ludwig AI, it's typically used to describe the most prominent or important characteristic or quality of a person or thing. While generally neutral in register, it's most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate for informal settings. The primary goal of using this expression is to emphasize a quality as the most important one in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary characteristic

Replaces "trait" with "characteristic" and "chief" with "primary" emphasizing the core attribute.

main attribute

Substitutes "trait" with "attribute" and "chief" with "main", highlighting a key feature.

dominant quality

Replaces "trait" with "quality" and "chief" with "dominant", focusing on the most prominent aspect.

defining feature

Replaces "trait" with "feature" and "chief" with "defining" emphasizing a characteristic that sets something apart.

principal aspect

Substitutes "trait" with "aspect" and "chief" with "principal", highlighting a key element.

foremost characteristic

Replaces "chief" with "foremost", indicating the most important attribute.

key attribute

Highlights the most important attribute using "key" instead of "chief".

most important quality

Emphasizes the significance of the quality, using a more descriptive phrase.

central characteristic

Replaces "chief" with "central", indicating a core attribute.

essential trait

Substitutes "chief" with "essential", stressing the fundamental nature of the trait.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief trait" to describe the most prominent characteristic of a person, object, or concept. For example, "His "chief trait" was his unwavering optimism."

What are some alternatives to "chief trait"?

Some alternatives to "chief trait" include "primary characteristic", "main attribute", or "dominant quality".

Is "chief trait" formal or informal?

"Chief trait" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "main feature" or "key quality".

What does "chief trait" mean?

"Chief trait" refers to the most important or noticeable characteristic of something or someone. It emphasizes the primary defining quality.