trait

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A particular quality in someone's character or behavior that helps make them who they are.

   Grammar: Often modified: a personality trait.

   Patterns

   • a trait of someone
   • a trait in someone

   Patience is her best trait.

   Stubbornness is a trait that runs in his family.

   Honesty is a trait I value in friends.

2. 2nouncountablebiology

   A feature of an organism, such as eye color, that is passed on or shaped by genes.

   Grammar: Used in biology: an inherited trait.

   Patterns

   • an inherited trait
   • a dominant trait

   Blue eyes are a recessive trait.

   Pea plants show clear traits, such as height and flower color.

   Some traits are inherited while others come from the environment.

Word forms

Common combinations

personality trait

Curiosity is a personality trait that helps scientists.

inherited trait

Hair color is an inherited trait.

dominant trait

Brown eyes are a dominant trait.

common trait

Loyalty is a common trait among dogs.

character trait

Kindness is her defining character trait.

Synonyms and how they differ

characteristic

Characteristic is wider and also covers features of things and places, while trait is mostly used of people and living things.

quality

Quality can mean how good something is, while trait always means a particular feature.

attribute

Attribute is more formal and often means a positive or defining feature.

feature

Feature suits objects and faces, while trait is for behavior and heredity.

Word family

traits noun

the plural form

trait-based adjective

judged by personal qualities

portray verb

to show something, historically related to drawing a trait

trace noun

a small mark or sign

Commonly confused: trait or trait / trade? trait or trait / treat?

Practice

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