a defining feature — characteristic trait (C1 figurative collocation)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an essential or most noticeable quality that makes something or someone different from others in a way that is central to its identity.
Say it like a native
Textbook Openness constitutes the most quintessentially characteristic attribute of the culture.
Native Openness is the defining feature of the culture.
'Defining feature' is the natural collocation; the formal paraphrase is bloated.
Pattern: a defining feature of [noun] is/was...
In use
- A defining feature of Scandinavian design is its emphasis on simplicity and functionality.society
- One defining feature of modern education is the integration of technology into everyday learning, which has transformed how students access information.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a defining feature for the brand.
✓ It's a defining feature of the brand.
'Defining feature OF' something — not 'for'.
Common collocations
defining + feature— a defining feature, defining characteristic, the defining moment, defining trait
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'main feature' or 'important feature', which can refer to any significant aspect, 'defining feature' specifically means the quality that most clearly distinguishes something from others.