trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "trait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person, thing, or group. For example, "He has the admirable trait of being an effective communicator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The food market, while it shares that trait that everybody's in it, it is not a market in which your participation is often unpredictable and often involuntary".

The New York Times

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fellows says this trait is particularly important in the voluntary sector.

The Guardian

To know my trait, and use it against me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Being a woman seemed more an affliction than merely a trait shared by slightly more than 50% of the population.

The Guardian - Opinion

Around the club Barker's known for being unfailingly nice, not a trait you'd describe as synonymous with his employers right now.

The Guardian - Sport

In underground armed insurgent groups there will always be criminals and opportunists who ride on the back of "armed campaigns" to enrich themselves; in Northern Ireland this particularly phenomenon was a common trait of loyalist paramilitaries.

The Guardian

Irony was no more a strong Thatcher trait than was humour.

The Guardian

He gazes softly, wisely, from falling curly locks – another Leonardo trait is a love of ringlets and spirals – and raises his right hand in benediction.

The Guardian - Arts

Only five field trial of GM crops have been permitted to date in the UK, and none for a trait that enhances the nutritional value of the crop.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, "trait" is useful to describe heritable features or characteristics of organisms. For example: "Eye color is a common trait studied in genetics."

Common error

While "trait" is a valid word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for simpler alternatives like "characteristic", "feature", or "quality" when appropriate to maintain variety and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "trait" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a distinguishing quality or characteristic, often used to describe inherent features of individuals or objects. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "trait" is a noun used to describe a distinguishing quality or characteristic. It is grammatically correct and very common in English, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. The most frequent contexts of usage are News & Media and Science. As Ludwig confirms, "trait" is a useful word for describing inherent features and attributes, making it a valuable term in both scientific and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic

Emphasizes a distinguishing feature or quality.

characteristic feature

Combines two terms for emphasis, meaning a distinctive or typical attribute.

attribute

Focuses on an inherent quality or characteristic.

identifying characteristic

Highlights a characteristic that helps to recognize or identify something.

feature

Highlights a notable aspect or part.

inherent quality

Highlights a quality that is naturally part of something.

quality

Refers to a specific characteristic or property.

distinguishing mark

Focuses on a specific characteristic that sets something apart.

property

Stresses a defining attribute or characteristic.

peculiarity

Emphasizes an unusual or distinctive characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use the word "trait" in a sentence?

You can use "trait" to describe a distinguishing quality or characteristic. For example, "Kindness is an admirable trait" or "This plant has a unique trait".

What are some synonyms for "trait"?

Some synonyms for "trait" include "characteristic", "attribute", "feature", and "quality". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone 'possesses a trait'?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say someone "possesses a trait". It's a common way to indicate that someone has a particular characteristic or quality.

What's the difference between a "trait" and a habit?

A "trait" is a more enduring and inherent characteristic, while a habit is a behavior that is learned and repeated regularly. A "trait" is part of someone's nature, while a habit is a behavior someone develops.