French word

trait

Pronunciation

IPA/tʁɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncharacteristic

Example

Elle a un trait de caractère qui la rend sympathique.

She has a characteristic that makes her likable.

Illustration for trait (characteristic)

More examples

Ses traits du visage sont harmonieux.

His facial features are well-balanced.

Core concept

A defining line or mark that makes a person or thing recognizable, including a feature of character.

Common phrases

  • trait de caractère

    character trait

  • traits du visage

    facial features

  • trait physique

    physical feature

Similar words

caractère: A person's characteristic tendency or temperament.
personnalité: The character and individuality that define a person.
qualité: A good or admirable quality.

Definition in French

Caractéristique ou propriété qui distingue une personne ou une chose, souvent utilisée pour désigner un aspect du caractère.

Word origin

French trait comes through Old French from Latin tractus, related to trahere 'to draw or pull', and originally referred to a line or stroke.

Usage tips

  • Trait is masculine, so the phrase is un trait de caractère, while facial features are usually les traits du visage in the plural.

Other meanings

  • linenoun
  • featurenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word