feature
B1Neutral/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A distinctive, noticeable, or important part, quality, or characteristic of something.
A special or prominent article in a news publication; a full-length film forming part of a cinema programme; the act of giving prominence to someone or something (verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, 'feature' spans concrete (physical features of a face) to abstract (features of a plan). As a verb, it implies being a prominent or important part of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in collocation frequency (e.g., 'property features' more common in UK real estate). The film/TV sense (e.g., 'feature film') is identical.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In business, 'feature' may imply a selling point more strongly in US marketing contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English in tech/business contexts (e.g., 'product features').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
feature [as] somethingfeature [in/on] somethingsomething features [something]be featured [in/on]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A redeeming feature (a single good quality in something otherwise bad)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the attributes or functions of a product/service that provide value. 'Our software's key feature is its ease of use.'
Academic
Used to describe significant elements or variables in a study. 'A defining feature of this era was increased migration.'
Everyday
Commonly refers to parts of the face, aspects of a place, or parts of a story/film. 'What are the main features of your new phone?'
Technical
In machine learning/data science: a variable used in analysis; in GIS: a represented object like a road or building.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The documentary will feature interviews with local residents.
- The new model features improved safety as standard.
American English
- The concert features a performance by a Grammy-winning artist.
- The update features a completely redesigned interface.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He is a feature writer for The Guardian.
- They watched a feature-length animation.
American English
- She is a feature editor at The New Yorker.
- It was a feature presentation on PBS.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My phone has a new camera feature.
- Her eyes are her best feature.
- One important feature of the house is the big garden.
- The film features a famous actor.
- The software's most innovative feature is its voice recognition.
- The debate featured a heated exchange between the candidates.
- Geographical isolation was a salient feature of the island's development.
- The symposium will feature papers from leading scholars in the field.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A FEATURE is a disFEATuring characteristic.' (It's a noticeable part that defines something).
Conceptual Metaphor
FEATURES ARE PARTS OF A LARGER ENTITY (e.g., 'features of the landscape', 'features of the argument').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'черта' which is narrower (often a line/trait). 'Feature' is broader. Avoid directly translating 'особенность' as 'special feature' every time; often just 'feature' suffices.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrectly using 'facility' for 'feature' (e.g., 'This phone has a good camera facility' → 'feature'). Confusing 'featuring' (being included) with 'starring' (playing a leading role).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'feature' as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral; appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.
Yes, meaning to include or give prominence to someone/something (e.g., 'The exhibition features local artists').
A feature is what something has or is (e.g., 'waterproof'), a benefit is the value it provides to the user (e.g., 'stays dry in rain').
It means a full-length film, typically over 60 minutes, intended as the main presentation.