What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
traits
Example
One of his best traits is his sense of humor. [trait: noun]
Example
She has a lot of positive traits that make her a great leader. [traits: plural noun]
quality
Example
The quality of this product is exceptional. [quality: noun]
Example
She always produces work of the highest quality. [quality: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quality is more commonly used than traits in everyday language. Quality is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of things, while traits is more specialized and is typically used in psychology and social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between traits and quality?
While traits is typically associated with a more formal tone, quality is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.