defining characteristics
Key distinguishing features
Defining characteristics are the essential qualities that make something what it is—the features that distinguish one thing from another.
They answer the question "what makes this different?" A defining characteristic of mammals is nursing their young; a defining characteristic of a good leader might be decisiveness.
The phrase emphasizes traits that are fundamental rather than incidental: Patience is a defining characteristic of successful teachers.
- habitSettled regular tendency
- shapeExternal outline of something
- utilityFunctional worth or purpose
- sizePhysical extent or dimensions
- identityWho someone is
true colors · language · color · essence · core values · purpose · temperament · nature vs nurture · archetype · fingerprint · telltale sign · uniqueness · capacity · belief system · tradition · significance · hallmark · signature move
defining characteristicsminor details
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