dominant characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominant characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the most prominent or defining trait of a person, object, or concept. Example: "The dominant characteristic of her leadership style is her ability to inspire and motivate her team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That sweetness is still the dominant characteristic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"His dominant characteristic is how humble he is".

The New York Times

Most intriguing are those which derive from a dominant characteristic.

The Guardian

The dominant characteristic of Chinese business is mistrust, he says.

The Economist

I don't think that depressions were a dominant characteristic of his".

The Guardian - Books

A third dominant characteristic, probably linked with his provincialism and his romanticism, made itself felt.

The Guardian

Diversity of laws was the dominant characteristic of the prerevolutionary legal order.

Britannica

Within every organization are people whose dominant characteristic is either creativity or logic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The great Italian novelist Alberto Moravia said that his "dominant characteristic was his sheer benevolence towards everyone and everything.

The New York Times - Arts

He gives the world of Hailsham a dominant characteristic: the belief in, indeed the worshipping of, creativity.

The Guardian - Books

The same might be said of most of this production, in which crisp, even violent enunciation is the dominant characteristic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dominant characteristic", ensure you clearly define what makes that characteristic stand out and how it influences the subject it describes. Provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "dominant characteristic" when the characteristic is not truly the most significant or defining aspect. Ensure the characteristic is demonstrably more prominent than others; otherwise, opt for a less emphatic term like "significant feature".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant characteristic" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object complement. As Ludwig AI explains and exemplified, it identifies the most prominent feature or quality of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dominant characteristic" effectively pinpoints the most salient or defining feature of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability, supported by numerous examples across news, scientific, academic, and general contexts. While alternatives exist, like "primary feature" or "key attribute", "dominant characteristic" emphasizes prominence. When using this phrase, ensure that the characteristic is genuinely the most outstanding and supported by evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Predominant attribute

Similar to "dominant characteristic" but uses 'predominant' instead.

Chief characteristic

Emphasizes the characteristic that holds the highest rank or position.

Defining trait

Highlights the characteristic that sets something apart.

Most notable feature

Highlights the characteristic that is most easily observed or remembered.

Primary feature

Focuses on the main attribute without necessarily implying dominance.

Key attribute

Emphasizes the importance of the attribute.

Principal quality

Stresses the most important aspect or property.

Overriding feature

Suggests the characteristic is more significant than others.

Main aspect

Highlights the most important facet or angle.

Central element

Focuses on the core or fundamental part.

FAQs

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

Use "dominant characteristic" to describe the most noticeable or influential feature of something. For example: "The "dominant characteristic" of his personality was his optimism."

What are some alternatives to "dominant characteristic"?

Alternatives include "primary feature", "key attribute", or "defining trait". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "dominant characteristic" or "most important characteristic"?

"Dominant characteristic" implies a feature that stands out significantly, while "most important characteristic" suggests the feature is critical for a particular reason or purpose. Choose the phrase that best fits the context. They have similar meaning, but "dominant" implies prominence, while "important" implies value.

What's the difference between "dominant characteristic" and "typical characteristic"?

"Dominant characteristic" refers to the most prominent or defining attribute, while "typical characteristic" refers to a feature that is commonly found within a group or category. One indicates what is most noticeable, the other what is common.