cardinal trait: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical (Psychology)
Quick answer
What does “cardinal trait” mean?
A single, dominant personality characteristic that profoundly shapes a person's identity and behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single, dominant personality characteristic that profoundly shapes a person's identity and behavior.
In Gordon Allport's trait theory of personality, a cardinal trait is so pervasive that nearly all of a person's actions can be traced back to its influence. It is the central, defining feature of an individual's personality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. The term is used identically in academic psychology in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined almost exclusively to academic psychology texts and discussions in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cardinal trait” in a Sentence
[Person/Character] has/possesses/exhibits a cardinal trait of [Trait] (e.g., ambition).A cardinal trait, such as [Trait], defines/permeates [Person's] life.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cardinal trait” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theory seeks to cardinalise certain behaviours, though this is non-standard.
- Her ambition cardinalised her entire career path.
American English
- The theory seeks to cardinalize certain behaviors, though this is non-standard.
- Her ambition cardinalized her entire career path.
adverb
British English
- His behaviour was cardinal-trait driven. (hyphenated)
- The influence manifested itself almost cardinaly in every decision.
American English
- His behavior was cardinal trait-driven.
- The influence manifested itself almost cardinally in every decision.
adjective
British English
- The cardinal-trait approach is central to Allport's model. (hyphenated compound adjective)
- She displayed a cardinal-trait level of narcissism.
American English
- The cardinal trait approach is central to Allport's model.
- She displayed a cardinal trait level of narcissism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in a metaphorical sense in leadership coaching: 'His cardinal trait is relentless optimism.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in psychology textbooks, papers, and lectures on personality theory.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound highly technical or pretentious if used casually.
Technical
Core term in personality psychology, specifically within the lexicon of Gordon Allport's trait theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cardinal trait”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cardinal trait”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardinal trait”
- Using it to describe any strong habit or preference (e.g., 'His cardinal trait is drinking coffee every morning').
- Using it in plural form ('cardinal traits') for one person—by definition, a person has only one, if any.
- Confusing it with a 'central trait' (which is significant but not all-consuming).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Gordon Allport posited that cardinal traits are rare. Most people are defined by a combination of 5-10 central traits, not a single overarching one.
A cardinal trait is the single, defining feature of a personality (e.g., greed for Scrooge). A central trait is one of several core characteristics that form the basis of personality (e.g., honesty, friendliness).
Yes. The trait itself is descriptive, not evaluative. Examples include pathological altruism, malignant narcissism, or paranoid suspicion, all of which can be destructive.
It is almost exclusively a term of art in personality psychology. In general discourse, phrases like 'defining characteristic' or 'driving force' are used instead.
A single, dominant personality characteristic that profoundly shapes a person's identity and behavior.
Cardinal trait is usually academic / technical (psychology) in register.
Cardinal trait: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl treɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːr.dɪ.nəl treɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A driving force”
- “The defining feature”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CARDINAL (high-ranking bishop) in the Catholic Church—his red robes and position define everything about how people see him. Similarly, a CARDINAL TRAIT defines everything about a person's personality.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSONALITY IS A HIERARCHY (with the cardinal trait as the ruler/king). BEHAVIOR IS A RIVER (with the cardinal trait as the primary source/spring).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'cardinal trait' in personality psychology?