fundamental characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental characteristic" is correct and can be used when referring to a main, essential, or inherent attribute or feature of something.
For example, "Honesty is a fundamental characteristic of a healthy relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waste is the fundamental characteristic of the consumer society.

The Guardian

If you intend to honor Chanin's architecture, you must begin by analyzing its fundamental characteristic.

The New York Times

And that's because the fundamental characteristic of entrepreneurs isn't risk-seeking; it's self-confidence.

The New Yorker

A fundamental characteristic of libertarian thinking is a deep skepticism of government power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cell fusion is a fundamental characteristic of the mammalian placenta but also, it turns out, of endogenous retroviruses.

The New Yorker

Indeed, a fundamental characteristic of a tumour cell is that it begets a tumour cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is, however, increasing evidence that escape from immune control is a fundamental characteristic of most tumours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And this is the fundamental characteristic of the broad – she might crack a dirty joke, tell a story against herself, acknowledge the game with a sly wink.

The Guardian - Opinion

Irony, yes; but irony is a fundamental characteristic of a Christian perspective on human existence, so part of saintliness, not opposed to it.

The Guardian

However, their most fundamental characteristic is a shortage of available moisture for plants, resulting from an imbalance between precipitation and evapotranspiration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This effect is a fundamental characteristic of flexible displays.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental characteristic" to emphasize the most important and defining aspects of a subject, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental characteristic" when a simpler term like "feature" or "aspect" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its use in defining key attributes or properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental characteristic" is a commonly used phrase to denote essential or defining attributes. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and suggests that while grammatically sound, it's best used when simpler terms don't suffice. Its prevalence spans scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, emphasizing the most crucial aspects of a subject. Alternatives like "essential characteristic" or "key feature" can provide nuance, while overuse in simple descriptions should be avoided to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential characteristic

Focuses on the necessity of the characteristic for defining the subject.

central characteristic

Stresses that the characteristic is at the core or heart of the subject.

main characteristic

Points out the primary or most notable feature.

primary characteristic

Focuses on the characteristic as being first in order of importance or development.

major characteristic

Highlights the significance of the characteristic in terms of scale or impact.

significant characteristic

Indicates that the characteristic is noteworthy and has considerable importance.

critical characteristic

Indicates that the characteristic is crucial and indispensable.

pivotal characteristic

Emphasizes the importance of the characteristic as a turning point or critical factor.

vital characteristic

Underscores the characteristic's importance for the survival or proper functioning of something.

substantial characteristic

Highlights the characteristic as significant and considerable in nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental characteristic" to describe an essential attribute. For example, "A "fundamental characteristic" of democracy is the right to vote."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental characteristic"?

Alternatives include "essential characteristic", "key feature", or "defining trait", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "basic fundamental characteristic"?

Yes, using "basic" and "fundamental" together can be redundant. It's best to choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition.

How does "fundamental characteristic" differ from "typical characteristic"?

"Fundamental characteristic" refers to an essential, defining trait, while "typical characteristic" refers to a common but not necessarily essential attribute. The former is crucial, the latter is just frequent.