Meaning & use
key characteristic
Last updated
UK/ˌkiː ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
US/ˌkiː ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
Meaning
nouncountable
An important feature or quality that helps identify or describe someone or something.
Grammar: Often used in the plural: key characteristics.
Patterns
- a key characteristic of something
- have key characteristics
Patience is a key characteristic of a good teacher.
One key characteristic of this species is its long tail.
The key characteristics of the style include simple lines and bright colors.
Word forms
| plural | key characteristics |
|---|
Common combinations
- key characteristic of
- Honesty is a key characteristic of a trustworthy friend.
- share key characteristics
- Both designs share key characteristics like a flat roof.
- identify key characteristics
- Scientists identify key characteristics to classify animals.
Synonyms and how they differ
- main feature
- Similar, but 'feature' often refers to a part or aspect, while 'characteristic' is about a quality.
- essential trait
- More formal and often used for personal qualities.
Word family
- characteristic noun
- A typical quality or feature.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'key characteristic' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly uses 'key characteristic' as a singular noun with 'of'. The other options have incorrect grammar.
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