Feature vs. Characteristic: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
A feature is a distinctive attribute or aspect of something, while a characteristic is a typical trait or quality inherent to someone or something.
Key Differences
A feature is a distinctive or prominent attribute or aspect of an item or a system, often highlighted for its ability to perform a function or a task. In contrast, a characteristic is a defining or inherent trait or quality that distinguishes an individual, object, or entity, representing its nature or identity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
While features often pertain to specific elements, attributes, or components that enhance functionality or appearance, characteristics refer to inherent qualities or properties that define or represent an entity, often encompassing its attributes, qualities, and traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Features are generally tangible and are typically highlighted or specified, especially when describing products or services to denote capabilities or enhancements. On the other hand, characteristics can be both tangible and intangible, encompassing inherent traits, behaviors, and qualities of individuals or entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In the context of a product or a service, features are usually distinctive aspects or additions designed to improve or enhance its overall utility or appeal. Characteristics, meanwhile, are attributes or qualities that are innate or naturally occurring, denoting the essence or the nature of the entity.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Features can be added, modified, or removed, depending on the requirements or the design considerations, and they are often cited to delineate advantages or uniqueness. Characteristics, in contrast, are typically intrinsic and unalterable, defining the fundamental nature or the identity of the subject in consideration.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A distinctive attribute or aspect, often highlighted for its utility.
A typical trait or quality inherent to someone or something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Alteration
Can be added, modified, or removed.
Typically intrinsic and unalterable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Representation
Represents capability or enhancement.
Represents the essence or nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Application
Often applied to products, services, or systems.
Applied to individuals, objects, or entities.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
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Feature and Characteristic Definitions
Feature
A prominent attribute or aspect of something.
The camera is a notable feature of the new smartphone.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Characteristic
A graph representing a function.
The characteristic curve of the device was plotted accurately.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Characteristic
An inherent or distinguishing attribute of something.
The characteristic taste of olive oil is loved by many.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Feature
A distinctive characteristic of a linguistic unit.
Gender is a grammatical feature in many languages.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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Characteristic
A feature or quality that typifies or represents an individual or thing.
The bird has several characteristics distinguishing it from others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Characteristic
A distinctive behavior.
His punctuality is a positive characteristic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Characteristic
Being a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing; distinctive
Heard my friend's characteristic laugh.
The stripes that are characteristic of the zebra.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A prominent or distinctive part, quality, or characteristic
A feature of one's personality.
A feature of the landscape.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
A feature that helps to identify, tell apart, or describe recognizably; a distinguishing mark or trait.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A property of linguistic units or forms
Nasality is a phonological feature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
(Mathematics) The integral part of a logarithm as distinguished from the mantissa
The characteristic of the logarithm 6.3214 is 6.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
In generative linguistics, any of various abstract entities that specify or combine to specify phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic properties of linguistic forms and that act as the targets of linguistic rules and operations.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
(Mathematics) The least number of times the multiplicative identity in a ring needs to be added to itself to reach the additive identity, or, if the additive identity is never reached, zero. The integers have a characteristic of zero; the integers modulo 12 have a characteristic of 12.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A prominent or special article, story, or department in a newspaper or periodical.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
(nautical) The distinguishing features of a navigational light on a lighthouse etc by which it can be identified (colour, pattern of flashes etc.).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
An item advertised or offered as particularly attractive or as an inducement
A washing machine with many features.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
For a given field or ring, a natural number that is either the smallest positive number n such that n instances of the multiplicative identity (1) summed together yield the additive identity (0) or, if no such number exists, the number 0.
The characteristic of a field, if non-zero, must be a prime number.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
Pertaining to, or serving to constitute, the character; showing the character, or distinctive qualities or traits, of a person or thing; peculiar; distinctive.
Characteristic clearness of temper.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
A distinguishing trait, quality, or property; an element of character; that which characterized.
The characteristics of a true critic.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
The integral part (whether positive or negative) of a logarithm.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
To have or include as a prominent part or characteristic
The play featured two well-known actors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
A prominent aspect of something;
The map showed roads and other features
Generosity is one of his best characteristics
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(Informal) To picture mentally; imagine
Can you feature her in that hat?.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
The integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(obsolete) One's structure or make-up: form, shape, bodily proportions.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
Any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
Typical or distinctive;
Heard my friend's characteristic laugh
Red and gold are the characteristic colors of autumn
Stripes characteristic of the zebra
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(media) A long, prominent article or item in the media, or the department that creates them; frequently used technically to distinguish content from news.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Characteristic
A distinguishing trait or quality.
Kindness is a characteristic of his personality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic.
One of the features of the landscape
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(archaeology) Something discerned from physical evidence that helps define, identify, characterize, and interpret an archeological site.
A feature of many Central Texas prehistoric archeological sites is a low spreading pile of stones called a rock midden. Other features at these sites may include small hearths.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(engineering) Characteristic forms or shapes of parts. For example, a hole, boss, slot, cut, chamfer, or fillet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
An individual measurable property or characteristic of a phenomenon being observed; the input of a model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(linguistics) The elements into which linguistic units can be broken down.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
(transitive) To ascribe the greatest importance to something within a certain context.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.
What needeth it his feature to descrive?
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.
It is for homely features to keep home.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.
And to her service bind each living creatureThrough secret understanding of their feature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A form; a shape.
So scented the grim feature, and upturnedHis nostril wide into the murky air.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A prominent aspect of something;
The map showed roads and other features
Generosity is one of his best characteristics
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
The characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin;
An expression of pleasure crossed his features
His lineaments were very regular
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
The principal (full-length) film in a program at a movie theater;
The feature tonight is `Casablanca'
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A special or prominent article in a newspaper or magazine;
They ran a feature on retirement planning
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
An article of merchandise that is displayed or advertised more than other articles
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
Have as a feature;
This restaurant features the most famous chefs in France
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Feature
A distinctive property or component.
The car has several safety features.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Feature
A special article in a newspaper or magazine.
The magazine has a feature on healthy eating this month.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
Can a feature be a characteristic?
While they have different connotations, sometimes the term feature can be used interchangeably with characteristic, depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can characteristics be both positive and negative?
Yes, characteristics can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the context and perspective.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Can features be created or developed?
Yes, features can be intentionally developed or designed, especially in products or services.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Are characteristics always inherent?
Typically, characteristics are inherent traits or qualities, but they can also include acquired traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Are features always tangible?
Features are usually tangible, but they can also refer to intangible attributes, like a feature of a software application.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Do characteristics always define the essence of an entity?
Typically, characteristics are defining traits or qualities that represent the nature or essence of an entity.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Are characteristics always observable?
Not necessarily, some characteristics might not be immediately observable and may require specific conditions or tests to be identified.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can a feature be non-functional?
Yes, some features might be non-functional and may serve aesthetic or informative purposes.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can features be removed or altered easily?
Features, especially in products or services, can often be altered, enhanced, or removed, depending on design considerations and user requirements.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Are features typically highlighted in advertisements?
Yes, features are often highlighted in advertisements to showcase the advantages or uniqueness of a product or service.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can characteristics be subjective?
The perception of certain characteristics can be subjective and may vary from person to person.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can the characteristic of an entity be disputed?
Yes, what is considered a characteristic of an entity can be disputed, especially when it comes to subjective or debatable traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is every feature beneficial?
Not necessarily, the benefit of a feature depends on user needs and preferences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can the same entity have contrasting features?
Yes, an entity can possess features that seem contrasting or contradictory, depending on the perspective and context.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Are characteristics permanent?
Many characteristics are permanent, but some can change over time or due to external influences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
