defining feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"defining feature" is a perfectly grammatically correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quality or attribute that is central to the identity of something. For example, "The defining feature of this restaurant is its authentic Italian cuisine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But race was not the defining feature.

Independent

Violent outbursts have become a defining feature.

The New York Times

The kids are the defining feature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are the defining feature of my aesthetic.

The Guardian - Music

Boozing is the defining feature of Hamilton's life and work.

The Guardian - Books

Delays are the defining feature of the system.

The New Yorker

Stone has become the defining feature of any city.

The Guardian

Isn't the thumb keyboard the defining feature of a BlackBerry?

The New York Times - Tech

1. Polarization Gridlock is the defining feature of today's Washington.

The New Yorker

Its defining feature: a vertiginous 26-foot starting ramp.

The New York Times - Sports

The defining feature of Afghanistan is its diversity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be very specific on what quality or attribute you consider the most important, without ambiguities.

Common error

Avoid using "defining feature" when a simpler adjective would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The defining feature of the sky is that it's blue", just say "The sky is blue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining feature" functions as a noun phrase or an adjectival phrase used to specify the most important or characteristic aspect of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining feature" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the most important or characteristic aspect of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in written English, especially in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Alternatives like "hallmark" or "distinguishing characteristic" can be used for variety. When using the phrase, ensure it truly represents the single most important aspect to avoid overuse. With its strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "defining feature" remains a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic feature

This is slightly redundant but reinforces the idea of a typical attribute.

distinguishing characteristic

This is a more descriptive alternative emphasizing the unique quality that sets something apart.

primary characteristic

This is a more formal phrasing that emphasizes the main feature.

key attribute

This alternative highlights the most important quality or characteristic.

identifying trait

This underscores the feature's role in recognizing or distinguishing something.

hallmark

This is a single-word synonym, implying a distinguishing trait or characteristic.

distinctive quality

This emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of the feature.

essential element

This emphasizes the necessity and importance of the feature.

critical component

This emphasizes feature as fundamental part of something, essential to its nature.

central aspect

This highlights the importance of feature as being at the core of the object.

FAQs

How to use "defining feature" in a sentence?

You can use "defining feature" to highlight the most important or characteristic aspect of something. For example, "The "defining feature" of the novel is its complex characters".

What can I say instead of "defining feature"?

You can use alternatives like "hallmark", "distinguishing characteristic", or "key attribute" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "defining feature" or "defining features"?

"Defining feature" is singular and refers to one key aspect. "Defining features" is plural and refers to multiple key aspects. Choose the form that matches the number of aspects you're discussing.

What's the difference between "defining feature" and "characteristic"?

A "characteristic" is a typical quality or trait. A "defining feature" is the single most important or representative characteristic.