Cardinal Traits

Definition

Cardinal traits are those that dominate an individual's whole life, often to the point that the person becomes known specifically for these traits.

Analogy

Cardinal traits are like a person's signature or trademark. Just as a company is recognized by its logo or a celebrity by their catchphrase, an individual with cardinal traits is identified and remembered by those dominant characteristics.

Related terms

Central Traits: These are general characteristics that form the basic foundations of personality - they are less dominating than cardinal traits but shape our behavior in many situations.

Secondary Traits: These are traits that are sometimes related to attitudes or preferences, they appear only in certain situations or under specific circumstances.

Allport's Trait Theory: This theory suggests that individual personalities are made up of broad dispositions, and it categorizes these into three levels: cardinal traits, central traits, and secondary traits.