Trait: meaning, definitions and examples

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trait

 

[ treɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

personality characteristic

A trait is a distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically one belonging to a person. Traits can be physical, such as eye color, or behavioral, such as being outgoing or shy. Traits are often used to describe someone's personality.

Synonyms

attribute, characteristic, feature, quality

Examples of usage

  • He has a very kind and generous trait.
  • She inherited her mother's artistic trait.
  • His stubborn trait sometimes causes conflicts.
Context #2 | Noun

genetics

In genetics, a trait is a specific characteristic that is inherited from parents and can be observed in an organism. Traits can be physical, such as hair color, or physiological, such as blood type. The study of traits is important in understanding inheritance patterns.

Synonyms

genetic characteristic, hereditary attribute, inherited feature

Examples of usage

  • Blue eyes are a recessive trait.
  • The ability to roll the tongue is a genetic trait.
  • Genetic traits can be influenced by environmental factors.
Context #3 | Noun

psychology

In psychology, a trait is a relatively stable and enduring characteristic that describes an individual's behavior. Traits are used to understand and predict patterns of behavior across different situations. The study of traits is central to personality psychology.

Synonyms

behavioral tendency, individual attribute, personality characteristic

Examples of usage

  • Her introverted trait makes her prefer solitary activities.
  • Traits like conscientiousness and extraversion are commonly studied in psychology.
  • Personality traits can influence career choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "trait" in other languages:

🇵🇹 característica

🇮🇳 लक्षण

🇩🇪 Merkmal

🇮🇩 sifat

🇺🇦 риса

🇵🇱 cecha

🇯🇵 特徴

🇫🇷 caractéristique

🇪🇸 característica

🇹🇷 özellik

🇰🇷 특징

🇸🇦 سمة

🇨🇿 vlastnost

🇸🇰 vlastnosť

🇨🇳 特征

🇸🇮 značilnost

🇮🇸 einkenni

🇰🇿 ерекшелік

🇬🇪 თვისება

🇦🇿 xüsusiyyət

🇲🇽 característica

Word origin

The word 'trait' originated from the Latin word 'tractus', meaning 'drawn' or 'pulled'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, primarily used in the context of physical characteristics. Over time, its usage expanded to include behavioral and psychological characteristics, reflecting advances in genetics and psychology. Today, 'trait' is a common term in various fields, from biology to sociology, to describe distinctive qualities and characteristics.

See also: traitor, traits.