trait

UK: treɪt | US: treɪt

Definition

  1. n. a distinguishing quality or characteristic

  2. n. (biology) a genetically determined feature

Structure
trait <drawn, pulled (from Latin "tractus")>
Etymology

The word "trait" originates from the Old French "trait" (meaning "a stroke, line, or feature"), derived from Latin "tractus" (past participle of "trahere," meaning "to pull or draw"). The semantic evolution reflects how a "trait" is a "drawn-out" or distinguishing feature of a person or thing, much like a stroke defines a line.

Examples

  1. Her kindness is a defining trait of her personality.

  2. The study focused on genetic traits passed down through generations.

  3. Attention to detail is a valuable trait in this profession.

  4. The artist captured the subject’s facial traits with precision.

  5. Cultural traits vary significantly across different societies.