Cool MateTrait
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.