distinctive feature

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Explanation of "Distinctive Feature"

Definition:
A "distinctive feature" is a special quality or characteristic that makes something different from others. It can refer to something that stands out or is unique about a person, object, or idea.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use "distinctive feature" when you want to talk about something that sets apart a person, place, or thing from others. It's often used in descriptions or comparisons.
• How to Use: It is a noun, so it can be used as the subject or object in a sentence.

Example:

• "The zebra's distinctive feature is its black and white stripes." (Here, the stripes are what make the zebra unique compared to other animals.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "distinctive features" can refer to specific traits in fields like linguistics, biology, or design. For instance: - "In linguistics, the distinctive features of a phoneme help differentiate it from other sounds."

Word Variants:

• Distinctive (adjective): Describing something that has a distinctive feature.
  • Example: "She has a distinctive style of painting."
• Distinctiveness (noun): The quality of being distinctive.
  • Example: "The distinctiveness of the product helped it stand out in the market."

Different Meanings:

• In a General Sense: "Distinctive feature" can apply to any unique trait, while "feature" alone can refer to any characteristic, whether it is unique or common.
• In Technology: "Feature" can also refer to functional aspects of software or devices (e.g., "This phone has a great camera feature.").

Synonyms:

• Unique characteristic
• Special quality
• Identifying trait

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "distinctive feature" itself is not an idiom or phrasal verb, you might encounter phrases that convey a similar meaning: - Stand out: To be very noticeable or different. - Example: "Her bright red dress made her stand out at the party."

Summary

In summary, a "distinctive feature" is an important quality that makes something unique.

Academic

Noun

1. an odd or unusual characteristic

Synonyms

• peculiarity
• distinguishing characteristic