B2noun2K

Trait

UK /["/treɪt/"]/US /["/treɪt/"]/

Definition

a particular quality in your personality

In simple words: A quality or characteristic of a person or thing.

Examples

  • personality traits
  • Awareness of class is a typically British trait.
  • She shares several character traits with her father.
  • We do not know which behavioural traits are inherited and which acquired.
  • a collection of traits associated with schizophrenia

Usage notes

Commonly used to describe characteristics in personality or appearance. More formal contexts might discuss traits in genetics or science. Avoid in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

trait + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'trait' as a 'traitor' showing their true colors.

Collocations

  • admirable
  • attractive
  • desirable
  • have
  • possess
  • lack
  • (be) associated with

Synonyms

  • characteristic
  • quality
  • attribute
  • feature
  • property

Antonyms

  • flaw
  • defect
  • weakness

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up 'trait' with 'trade', which means something different.
  • Using it as a verb, whereas it is strictly a noun.
  • Confusing traits with emotions.