Difference between characteristic, character, personality and trait

by Hoang Yen
(Viet nam)

What is the difference between characteristic, character, personality and trait?

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Ok, lets look at the definitions and then we can look at using them in context.


Characteristic: a distinguishing feature or quality: Generosity is his chief characteristic. A feature that helps to identify, tell apart, or describe recognizably; a distinguishing mark or trait.

Trait: a distinguishing characteristic or quality, especially of one's personal nature.

Character: the group of features, traits and characteristics that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

Personality: the essential character of a person or the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others.

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First, you will notice that Characteristic and Trait are very similar; character and personality are also very similar.

If you think about it, characteristics and traitssingular aspects of how a person is perceived.

Character and personality are combinations or groupings of traits and characteristics that define how a person is.

In context examples

It is difficult to describe his personality. He is caring but sometimes indifferent; responsible and yet reckless but most of all he has a good heart.

It is hard to define my best personal trait as an English teacher. Maybe my personality as a whole is what makes me a good teacher. Or maybe it is my sense of humor. People say that a good sense of humor is a useful trait.

For this job it would be best to find someone with the following traits: hard working, responsible, reliable and a team player.

It was his characteristic sense of humor that got him the job.

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I hope that helps you understand the difference between these words better Hoang Yen.

Have a great day!

Diana