Trait — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtrāt/

Meaning & Definition of Trait

Trait (noun)

  1. a distinguishing quality (as of personal character)
  2. an inherited characteristic
  3. a stroke of or as if of a pencil

Trait (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind

    "honesty is one of her defining traits"

    similar: affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch
    related: badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Trait

The most common words with a similar meaning to Trait:

affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch

Related Words for Trait

badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Origin & Etymology of Trait

Middle French, literally, act of drawing, from Latin tractus tract

First known use: 1589

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Trait

Words & Phrases Containing Trait

sickle-cell trait

Frequently Asked Questions about Trait

What does "Trait" mean?

"Trait" means a distinguishing quality (as of personal character). As a noun, it is defined as: a distinguishing quality (as of personal character).

What is another word for "Trait"?

Other words for "Trait" include affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic and differentia. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Trait" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Trait"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Trait". Common alternatives include affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature and fingerprint.

How do you use "Trait" in a sentence?

Examples of "Trait" in a sentence: "honesty is one of her defining traits".

Is "Trait" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Trait" is a noun.

Is "Trait" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Trait" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Trait"?

"Trait" is pronounced /ˈtrāt/.

What is the origin of the word "Trait"?

"Trait" comes from Middle French, literally, act of drawing, from Latin tractus tract. First known use: 1589.