Trait Meaning
Trait Definition & Usage
A distinguishing characteristic or quality, especially of one's personal nature.
Examples
- "Her generosity is one of her most admirable traits."
- "The novel explores the traits of a true hero in a time of crisis."
- "John's trait of being overly cautious often holds him back in social situations."
- "Patience is a key trait of successful leaders."
- "The team's strength lies in its diverse traits, making collaboration possible."
A specific characteristic or feature of a person or thing that is inherited or genetically passed down.
Examples
- "The trait of having blue eyes runs in our family."
- "Her mother’s artistic trait was evident in her own painting style."
- "Scientists study how traits like height are passed down through generations."
- "Dominant traits are usually observed more frequently in offspring."
- "This breed of dog has a genetic trait of being particularly good at herding."
A specific feature or detail that stands out in an artwork, landscape, or object.
Examples
- "The trait of the painting was its vibrant use of color."
- "One of the most striking traits of the sculpture was its intricate detail."
- "The trait of the landscape was its sweeping, panoramic view."
- "The trait of the new design is its minimalist approach."
- "His architecture always features the trait of symmetry and balance."
Cultural Context
The term 'trait' originates from the Latin word 'tractus', which referred to a line or a drawing, and later evolved to mean a distinguishing feature of someone's character or appearance. The use of 'trait' in modern English frequently refers to personal characteristics or qualities, but it has also retained its technical meaning in fields like genetics and art.
The Traits That Define Us
Story
The Traits That Define Us
Samantha stood in front of her old family photo album, staring at the pictures of her great-grandparents. As she flipped through the pages, she was struck by the recurring trait that appeared in each generation: a smile that seemed to light up the room. It was a family trait that her mother often spoke of, and one that Samantha had come to cherish deeply. It wasn’t just the smile itself that mattered; it was the warmth and kindness that radiated from those who shared it. That same trait was in her own smile, and she could see it in her son’s face as he played with his toys across the room. But there were other traits in the family, too. Her brother had inherited their father’s serious nature, a trait that often made him seem distant at family gatherings. Samantha had always admired how his meticulous nature ensured the success of their family business, but she knew it also made him harder to relate to. As for her, she had inherited a different trait: a quick temper, one that flared up in moments of stress. Her husband often joked that their son, Liam, was the best of both worlds—a balanced mix of warmth, intelligence, and a bit of stubbornness, just like his mother and father. One evening, Samantha sat down with Liam, telling him stories about the family traits that had shaped her life. She spoke of how the inherited traits didn’t just define their appearances or their actions, but also the way they connected with others. "Traits like kindness and patience," she told him, "are the ones you want to carry with you." As Liam nodded, she could see in his eyes that the smile—a family trait—was already forming on his face. The more she thought about it, the more Samantha realized that traits, whether inherited or learned, were what made people unique. They shaped who they were and how they interacted with the world. The warmth of a smile, the strength of a quiet resolve, or the spark of creativity—they all played their part in creating the individuals who mattered most in her life. The trait of family connectedness was something she felt deep in her heart, and she vowed to keep it alive in the generations to come.
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