characteristic
word
Definition
A quality or feature that makes something or someone different or easy to recognize. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something typical or distinctive.
Usage & Nuances
Used both as a noun and adjective. As a noun: 'a characteristic of cats is...' As adjective: 'a characteristic smell.' Often found with 'feature', but 'characteristic' focuses more on what is typical or distinguishes someone/something.
Example Sentences
This spicy taste is very characteristic of Indian food.
natural
She laughed with a characteristic twinkle in her eyes.
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Honesty is an important characteristic in a friend.
basic
One characteristic of birds is that they have feathers.
basic
The blue color is a characteristic of this flower.
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His sense of humor is really his defining characteristic.
natural