Review of Trait-names: A Psycho-lexical study

Abstract

Reviews the book, Trait-names: A psycho-lexical study by G. W. Allport and H. S. Odbert (1936). The value of the monograph lies in a careful search of Webster's New International Dictionary for four groups of words or phrases (1) neutral (i.e, non-evaluative) terms designating possible traits of personality; (2) terms primarily descriptive of temporary moods or activities; (3) weighted terms conveying social or characterial judgments of personal conduct, or designating influence on others; and (4) miscellaneous designations of physique, capacities, and developmental conditions; metaphorical and doubtful terms. Typical of the four groups are: (1) abrupt, acquisitive, acute, (2) abashed, absorbed, accusing; (3) abnormal, absurd, accursed, (4) abortive, acerbic, acidulous. The material will be useful for psychologists preparing check-lists of traits, etc. For anyone who wishes to repeat Thurstone's factor-analvsis technique (see "The Vectors of Mind"), this list offers all the common and many unused trait-names which may be employed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)