defining trait

USAGE SUMMARY

"defining trait" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a characteristic that defines a person, place, or thing. For example, "Honesty is a defining trait of successful relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shamelessness was, in fact, Cohn's defining trait.

The Guardian

Kelly's unpredictability may be his defining trait.

The New Yorker

Gentleness has always been my son's defining trait.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the American male, in fact, it may be the defining trait.

The New York Times - Magazine

Vodka, Cigarettes and Death Robust health has never been this land's defining trait.

The New York Times

Of course for some networks, the remodeling show is not a novelty but a defining trait.

The New York Times

The Mets' inability to produce runs is becoming a defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Scott has not come to terms with the narcissism that has to be Mitchell's primary defining trait.

The New York Times

The Musketeers shared the ball, controlled the game and guarded with a tenacity that has become their defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

Which brings me to a final, and perhaps defining, trait of work today: The new spirit of nonconformity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another defining trait is her intuitive connection with her fellow musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's personality, using "defining trait" can offer a concise way to pinpoint their most prominent characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "defining trait" in extremely casual conversation; consider more informal alternatives like "biggest thing" or "main thing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining trait" functions as a noun phrase, where "defining" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "trait". It pinpoints a specific characteristic that is essential or fundamental to something or someone. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defining trait" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight the most significant characteristic of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and professional settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in overly casual situations, opting for more informal alternatives. Related phrases like "key characteristic" or "essential feature" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. Overall, "defining trait" serves as a precise and effective tool for identifying core attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishing feature

Changes "defining" to "distinguishing", highlighting its role in setting something apart.

core quality

Emphasizes that the characteristic is at the very center of what something is.

primary attribute

Replaces "defining" with "primary", indicating the most important attribute.

identifying characteristic

Replaces "defining" with "identifying", focusing on the trait's role in recognition.

key characteristic

Substitutes "defining" with "key" and "trait" with "characteristic", focusing on an essential feature.

central characteristic

Uses "central" instead of "defining", emphasizing the core nature of the characteristic.

distinctive quality

Changes "trait" to "quality", highlighting a unique and recognizable aspect.

hallmark attribute

Replaces "defining" with "hallmark" and "trait" with "attribute", emphasizing a distinctive characteristic.

essential feature

Replaces "defining trait" with a compound noun that conveys the quality of being indispensable.

fundamental aspect

Replaces "defining trait" with a phrase that underscores the basic or foundational nature of the feature.

FAQs

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

Use "defining trait" to describe a characteristic that is most notable or essential to someone or something. For example, "Honesty is a defining trait of a trustworthy friend".

What can I say instead of "defining trait"?

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

Is "defining trait" formal or informal?

While "defining trait" is suitable for formal writing and speech, it can also be used in neutral contexts. More informal settings might benefit from alternatives like "main quality".

What's the difference between "defining trait" and "distinguishing feature"?

"Defining trait" refers to a characteristic that is essential to something's identity, while "distinguishing feature" highlights a characteristic that sets it apart from others. They are often interchangeable, but the latter emphasizes differentiation.