distinctive characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feature that makes one thing or person different from another, e.g. "The panda bear is known for its distinctive characteristic of black and white fur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Strand's most distinctive characteristic is its lupine voracity.

The New Yorker

"The most distinctive characteristic of the Bengali community is the intense camaraderie.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, the preponderance of portraits is the most distinctive characteristic of old British collections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A distinctive characteristic of humans as compared with other mammals is erect posture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other words, the etiology is not the distinctive characteristic of myth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This "cult of cute" is such a distinctive characteristic of modern Japanese culture that, even in English, it is often referred to by its name of kawaii.

The New Yorker

That word connotes, indeed it specifically defines, a form of almost incurable disease, whose most distinctive characteristic is the inability to stop, after one has started.

The New Yorker

It is only a reminder that the President's dishonesty is in close contention with his bigotry in the contest for his most distinctive characteristic.

The New Yorker

The values of flexibility, innovation, and so on all reflect this distinctive characteristic of the twenty-first-century workplace, where startups boom and crash daily.

The New Yorker

"The electric power system has the distinctive characteristic that it contains and moves around all of the energy necessary to destroy itself," Mr. McEachern said.

The New York Times - Tech

Another distinctive characteristic of Iran is the presence of the largest Jewish community in the Muslim Middle East in the country of the most vitriolic anti-Israel tirades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinctive characteristic", ensure that the characteristic you are describing is truly unique to the subject and not a common trait shared with other similar subjects. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives before "distinctive characteristic". Saying "unique distinctive characteristic" is unnecessary because "distinctive" already implies uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a particular quality or feature that differentiates one thing from others. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctive characteristic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to denote a unique or defining attribute. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and appears frequently across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the described characteristic is truly unique and avoid redundant modifiers. Alternatives like "unique attribute" or "defining feature" can be used for variety. The high frequency and clear meaning make "distinctive characteristic" a valuable phrase in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining feature

Highlights a characteristic that is essential in identifying something.

distinguishing quality

Focuses on a particular attribute that sets something apart.

identifying trait

Emphasizes a specific quality that helps to recognize something.

unique attribute

Focuses on a single, unparalleled quality.

particular trait

Highlights a certain feature that is characteristic.

hallmark

Implies a distinguishing feature or quality.

special attribute

Emphasizes a unique quality.

singular attribute

Emphasizes uniqueness of a property.

trademark

Suggests a feature so unique it is associated almost exclusively with something.

signature element

Highlights a key component that is especially noticeable and representative.

FAQs

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

Use "distinctive characteristic" to describe a unique attribute that sets something apart, for example: "A "defining feature" of the Bengal tiger is its striped coat."

What are some synonyms for "distinctive characteristic"?

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

Is it redundant to say "unique distinctive characteristic"?

Yes, "unique distinctive characteristic" is redundant. The word "distinctive" already implies that the characteristic is unique, so using "unique" as an adjective is unnecessary.

What's the difference between a "distinctive characteristic" and a "typical feature"?

A "distinctive characteristic" is a unique attribute that sets something apart, while a "typical feature" is a common attribute that is usually found in something. A "typical feature" is not necessarily unique.