features

"Features" is a very common English word with several useful meanings. It works as both a noun (a thing you can see or notice) and a verb (to include or highlight something). Here are the most important senses you'll encounter.

1nouncharacteristics or qualities

A feature is a noticeable quality or part of something that makes it stand out or defines what it is. Think of it as an important detail that helps you describe or understand something.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

One of the best features of this phone is its long battery life.

The house has several attractive features, including a large garden and a fireplace.

Safety features like airbags are standard in modern cars.

2nounparts of a face

When talking about a person's face, 'features' refers to the individual parts — the eyes, nose, mouth, cheekbones, and so on. You use this when describing what someone looks like.

everyday language / literature · Modern, widely used

She has delicate features and bright green eyes.

The portrait captured the old man's strong, sharp features perfectly.

His features were familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen him before.

3nouna special article or program

In journalism, TV, or film, a 'feature' is a longer, more in-depth piece of content — not just a short news report. A 'feature film' is a full-length movie, and a 'feature article' is a detailed story in a magazine or newspaper.

media / journalism / film · Modern, widely used

The magazine published a feature on climate change that was ten pages long.

We watched a feature film at the cinema last Saturday.

She wrote a feature about street food culture in Bangkok.

4verbto include or give a prominent role to

When something 'features' a person or thing, it includes them in an important or highlighted way. Imagine a movie poster — the actors shown on it are 'featured' in the film.

everyday language / media · Modern, widely used

The new album features several well-known guest artists.

Tonight's documentary features interviews with survivors of the earthquake.

The menu features dishes from all over Southeast Asia.

5verbfigurativeto play a part in something

You can also use 'feature' to say that something appears in or is part of a situation, story, or plan. It is a slightly more formal way of saying 'appear' or 'be included'.

everyday language / formal writing · Modern, widely used · figurative

Hard work and dedication feature heavily in her success story.

This topic is likely to feature in the final exam.

Money problems featured in many of the complaints received by the charity.