defining traits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining traits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the characteristics or qualities that distinctly identify someone or something. Example: "Her defining traits include her creativity, resilience, and strong work ethic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her defining traits are wilfulness and obstinacy.

The Guardian

The defining traits of a fungus are gustatory and architectural.

The New York Times - Science

Shallow water and slick stone are defining traits.

The New York Times

But the isolated mistakes and the inexplicable defeats are on the verge of becoming defining traits.

The New York Times - Sports

One of his defining traits is his ability to lean into defenders to draw fouls.

The New York Times - Sports

But the tundra's defining traits, which are primarily botanical, are harder to see.

The New York Times - Travel

The Angels each have distinct characters, or at least defining traits.

The New York Times

If independence is now one of his defining traits, the career path he followed originally seemed more focused on conformity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This approach takes advantage of the allelic nature of traits between breeds and the extended regions of linkage disequilibrium within breeds as well as the power of strong artificial selection for breed-defining traits [24].

Plosone

Duplications and deletions of genomic sequence can have significant impacts on a wide range of phenotypes including breed-defining traits.

BMC Genomics

Numerous studies addressed partly this issue by investigating the effect of the number of MetS-defining traits.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject, identify the most crucial aspects that make it distinct. Use "defining traits" to highlight these qualities and provide a clear understanding of what sets the subject apart.

Common error

Avoid using vague or broad terms when describing something. Instead, pinpoint the specific "defining traits" that make it unique. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining traits" functions as a noun phrase preceded by a descriptive adjective. It commonly acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, identifying the most important or characteristic aspects of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining traits" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the core, distinguishing characteristics of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "key characteristics" and "distinctive attributes" exist, the phrase's directness and clarity make it a valuable tool for precise and effective communication. When using "defining traits", focus on specificity and relevance to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristics

Similar meaning, but using a synonym for "traits".

distinctive attributes

Emphasizes attributes that set something apart.

key characteristics

Highlights the most important characteristics.

distinguishing features

Focuses on features that differentiate from others.

core attributes

Emphasizes the most central attributes.

hallmark features

Focuses on features that serve as a mark of identification.

essential qualities

Stresses the fundamental qualities.

central features

Highlights the most important features.

identifying features

Highlights features that help in identifying something.

unique properties

Emphasizes properties that are specific and distinct.

FAQs

What does "defining traits" mean?

The term "defining traits" refers to the characteristics or qualities that are most important in identifying or distinguishing a person, object, or concept. They are the features that make something or someone uniquely recognizable.

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

You can use "defining traits" to describe the qualities that distinctly identify a subject. For example, "One of the "defining traits" of a successful leader is their ability to inspire others".

What are some alternatives to "defining traits"?

Some alternatives to "defining traits" include "key characteristics", "distinctive attributes", and "hallmark features". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How do "defining traits" differ from "typical traits"?

"Defining traits" are the unique and essential qualities that make something what it is, while "typical traits" are common characteristics that are frequently observed but not necessarily unique or essential. Defining traits are more specific and crucial for identification.