student asking question

What's the difference between "trait" and "characteristic"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

A "trait" and a "characteristic" are both very similar and refer to a particular quality or feature of someone, however, there is a difference in nuance. A "trait" implies that the quality or feature of someone is inherent and they were born with it, often because it was genetically inherited. On the other hand, a "characteristic" of someone or something can change or vary depending on the situation. Ex: Brown eyes are one of his physical traits. Ex: Smiling is a great characteristic for someone to have.

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