characteristic feature crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "characteristic feature crossword clue," tailored to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide solutions across various word lengths to ensure you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "characteristic feature crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MARK: A distinguishing trait or attribute. This simple word often fits when a short, direct synonym for a distinctive sign is needed.
SIGN: An indication or characteristic quality. Similar to 'mark', it denotes something that signifies or represents a particular feature.
5 Letters
TRAIT: A distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically one belonging to a person. Commonly used in psychology and personality descriptions.
STAMP: A distinctive mark or impression, often indicative of origin or character. Think of a 'stamp of approval' or 'bearing the stamp of quality'.
7 Letters
FEATURE: A distinctive attribute or aspect of something. This is a direct synonym and a very common answer, describing any prominent part or characteristic.
8 Letters
HALLMARK: A distinguishing characteristic, quality, or feature. Often implies a recognizable mark of quality or authenticity, stemming from its original meaning in gold and silver assaying.
More About "characteristic feature crossword clue"
The term "characteristic feature" is broad, encompassing anything that helps define or identify a person, object, or concept. In linguistics, it refers to the distinctive properties of phonemes or morphemes. In biology, it might describe unique anatomical structures or behaviors of a species. For instance, the stripes are a characteristic feature of a zebra, while loyalty might be a characteristic feature of a good friend.
When this phrase appears in a crossword, the solver needs to consider the context of the puzzle, including intersecting words and the overall theme. Answers can range from simple descriptive words like 'mark' or 'sign' to more nuanced terms such as 'trait' or 'hallmark', each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning but all pointing to an identifying attribute.
Understanding these subtle differences is key to successful crossword solving. Often, the brevity of the clue "characteristic feature" suggests a common, universally understood concept, making these synonyms prime candidates for the solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This is your primary filter for potential answers. A 4-letter answer for "characteristic feature" will be very different from an 11-letter one.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Brainstorm all possible synonyms for the core words "characteristic" and "feature." Think about what makes something "characteristic" – is it a typical attribute, a distinguishing mark, or a defining quality?
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Crosswords are interconnected. If you're stuck on "characteristic feature," try solving an intersecting clue. The letters you fill in will provide hints and narrow down the possibilities for your main clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the answer isn't the most common synonym but a more specific or archaic word. For "characteristic feature," consider words related to symbols, emblems, or identifying marks.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'characteristic feature' in general terms?
A characteristic feature is a distinctive attribute or quality that identifies or distinguishes an individual, group, or object. It's often something that stands out and helps in recognition or classification.
How do crosswords use clues like 'characteristic feature'?
Crossword clues like 'characteristic feature' often look for synonyms or related concepts such as 'trait', 'mark', 'hallmark', 'sign', or 'attribute'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and any intersecting words.
Are there common pitfalls when solving 'characteristic feature' clues?
One common pitfall is focusing too narrowly on a single meaning. 'Characteristic feature' can refer to a physical attribute, a personality trait, a distinguishing mark, or a defining quality. Consider all potential synonyms and their nuances based on the puzzle's context.