feature

A part or quality of something that makes it special or easy to recognize.

• The garden is the house’s best feature.
• A tall tower is a distinctive feature of the town.
• What features make this animal easy to recognize?

How to use it: feature of something (Large windows are a feature of these houses.)

Similar words: characteristic, quality, attribute

Common phrases: main feature, distinctive feature, feature of something

A useful part or ability included in a product.

• This phone has a useful safety feature.
• The app’s newest feature saves time.
• Which features do you use most?

Similar words: function, capability

Common phrases: new feature, safety feature, feature of something

One of the parts of someone’s face, such as their eyes or nose.

• Her eyes are her most striking feature.
• The twins have similar features.
• His sharp features softened when he smiled.

Similar words: lineament

Common phrases: facial feature, fine feature, distinctive feature

A special article or program that explores a subject in detail.

• I read a feature about local farmers.
• The magazine published a feature on city gardens.
• Tonight’s radio feature explores life at sea.

How to use it: feature on/about something (The paper ran a feature on rising food prices.)

Similar words: article, report

Common phrases: special feature, feature on something, feature article, feature writer

The main, full-length movie shown at a cinema.

• The feature starts at eight.
• They showed a short cartoon before the feature.
• We watched a double feature on Saturday.

Similar words: film, movie

Common phrases: main feature, double feature, feature film

To include or show someone or something as an important, noticeable part.

• The menu features fresh fish.
• Her work was featured in the exhibition.
• The show will feature three local singers.

How to use it: feature someone/something (The concert features a young violinist.)

Similar words: include, show, showcase

Common phrases: feature someone prominently, feature local artists, feature fresh seafood, feature a singer

To give something the most attention or importance in a particular situation.

• The advertisement features the low price.
• The campaign featured safety above all other concerns.
• Our discussion should feature the needs of children.

Similar words: emphasize, highlight, prioritize

Opposites: downplay

Common phrases: feature something prominently, feature safety, feature the price

To imagine or understand something in your mind.

• I cannot feature him as a teacher.
• Can you feature living without electricity?
• She could hardly feature such a strange event.

How to use it: feature someone/something doing something (I cannot feature him working in an office.)

Similar words: imagine, picture, conceive

Common phrases: feature something happening, hardly feature something