What term did Allport use to describe dominant personality traits?

Allport's terminology distinguishes between different levels of personality traits, and "cardinal traits" are those traits that dominate and shape an individual's behavior. These traits are considered central to a person's identity and influence nearly all of their actions and responses. Cardinal traits are the most prominent qualities a person exhibits and often define their overall character. For example, a person with a cardinal trait of compassion might consistently act in a caring and generous manner across various situations.

In contrast, central traits are important but may not be as dominant as cardinal traits; they contribute to the overall personality but are less comprehensive. Secondary traits, on the other hand, are more context-dependent and can vary between situations, making them less integral to a person's identity. The term "core traits," while suggestive, is not a recognized concept in Allport's framework. Therefore, the identification of cardinal traits as dominant traits provides a clear understanding of how Allport categorized and interpreted personality characteristics.