trait

Definition

An identifying characteristic, habit or trend.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French trait (“line, feature”), from Latin tractus (“drawing, pulling”), from Latin trahō. Doublet of tract.

Example Sentences

• "inherited traits and acquired traits"
• "The number one personality trait I hate is hypocrisy. Why can't you be consistent!?"
• "The English, of all classes, value themselves on this trait, as distinguishing them from the French, who, in the popular belief, are more polite than true."

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