Personality traits Meaning and Definition

Personality traits

Personality traits

Pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The unique combination of characteristics, habits, and tendencies that a person, animal, or group exhibits, influencing their behavior, interactions, and overall nature.

Examples

  • She has a strong sense of humor, which is one of her most prominent personality traits.
  • The CEO’s leadership skills and charisma are defining personality traits for the company.
  • Her adventurous spirit and spontaneity make her a thrill-seeker, a dominant personality trait.
  • The team’s strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork is an important personality trait for their success.
  • The psychologist studied the correlation between personality traits and job satisfaction.

Synonyms

  • Characteristics
  • Virtues
  • Habits
  • Tendencies

Antonyms

  • Flaws
  • Faults
  • Weirdness
  • Uniqueness

Etymology

The term “personality” originated in the 16th century from the Latin word “persona,” meaning “mask” or “character.”

Usage Notes

When describing a person’s personality traits, use specific adjectives and adverbs to convey the characteristics that define them. For example, instead of saying “she’s a nice person,” say “she’s kind and warm-hearted.”

Cultural References

Personality traits have been explored in various forms of media, such as character psychology in novels, personality typing systems in psychology, and even used as humorous stereotypes in television shows.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

A person’s “personality shines through” when their traits are evident in their behavior or interactions.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Character
  • Habit
  • Tendency
  • Disposition

Collocations

  • Personality traits and job performance
  • Personality traits and social skills
  • Personality traits and emotional intelligence

Frequency of Use

Personality traits are a common topic of discussion in everyday conversations, as people often reflect on their own or others’ characteristics and behaviors.

Common Misspellings

  • Persomalities
  • Personallities

Related Words