trait

Where does the word "trait" come from? It comes from Latin trahere, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Trait’s story begins in Latin: trahere meant “to draw.” The root of 'tract', 'tractor' and 'portrait'. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as trait. Settled in French for a stroke or feature, especially of character. It reached English by 1500s as trait. French 'trait', a stroke of the pen. Today, trait means a distinguishing quality or characteristic, especially of personality.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient trahere "to draw", the root of 'tract', 'tractor' and 'portrait'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1400s trait "a stroke, a feature", settled in French for a stroke or feature, especially of character.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s trait "a distinguishing quality or characteristic", French 'trait', a stroke of the pen.