traits

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Qualities or features that are typical of a person, group, or thing.

   Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is "trait," and the plural takes a plural verb: "Traits are inherited."

   Patterns

   • traits of someone/something
   • have traits
   • share traits

   Kindness and curiosity are the traits I admire most in her.

   The report lists the main traits of a successful team.

   He shares several traits with his older brother.

2. 2nounpluralbiologytechnical

   In biology, particular characteristics passed from parents to offspring or shaped by the environment.

   Grammar: Used as a countable noun in science writing; often with words like "inherited" or "genetic."

   Patterns

   • inherited traits
   • genetic traits
   • a dominant trait

   Eye color and blood type are inherited traits.

   Scientists studied how certain traits help plants survive dry weather.

   Some traits appear only when both parents carry the same gene.

Word forms

Common combinations

personality traits

Her strongest personality traits are patience and honesty.

inherited traits

Freckles are among the inherited traits in his family.

a common trait

Curiosity is a common trait among good researchers.

genetic traits

The study looked at genetic traits linked to height.

character traits

Teachers often notice character traits such as fairness.

Synonyms and how they differ

characteristics

A more general word for features of anything, not only living things or people.

qualities

Often used for good or admirable features of a person; "traits" is more neutral.

attributes

More formal and often used for things or jobs rather than personality.

Word family

trait noun

The singular form, meaning one quality or feature.

Commonly confused: traits or trace?

Practice

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