# distinguishing features

**Pronunciation:** /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ ˈfiːtʃərz/ · dis-TING-gwish-ing FEE-churz

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** noun phrase

## Meaning

Prominent physical characteristics or unique qualities that make a person, animal, or object easily recognizable from others. These traits set something apart by providing clear points of identification.

## Examples

- The owl's large yellow eyes and feathered ear tufts are its most distinguishing features in the dark.
- Investigators noted several distinguishing features on the stolen vehicle, including a custom bumper and tinted windows.
- Biologists study the distinguishing features of various beetle species to classify them accurately.

## Synonyms

- distinctive traits — A slightly more abstract alternative often used for personality or behavioral characteristics.
- salient characteristics — A formal, technical alternative used in academic or professional writing.

## Common patterns

- have distinguishing features — To possess unique physical or functional characteristics. — Most vintage watches have distinguishing features that reveal their manufacturing era.
- look for distinguishing features — To actively search for unique identifying traits. — The witness tried to look for distinguishing features when the stranger walked past the streetlight.

## Collocations

- key distinguishing features — The key distinguishing features of the new smartphone model are its folding screen and upgraded camera lens.
- main distinguishing features — One of the main distinguishing features of this architecture is the heavy use of stained glass.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/distinguishing%20feature

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)