non-essential characteristic
[/ˌnɒn ɪˈsenʃəl ˌkærəktərˈɪstɪk/]
nounpl: non-essential characteristics
característica não-essencial
1. A quality, feature, or attribute of something that is not absolutely necessary or required for it to function or exist
The color of a car is a non-essential characteristic; what matters is that the engine works properly.
A cor de um carro é uma característica não-essencial; o que importa é que o motor funcione adequadamente.
2. In philosophy and logic, a property that can be absent without changing the fundamental nature of an object
In defining a triangle, the color is a non-essential characteristic, but having three sides is essential.
Na definição de um triângulo, a cor é uma característica não-essencial, mas ter três lados é essencial.
3. In descriptive contexts, a detail or feature that adds information but is not critical to the main point
The decorative patterns on the building are non-essential characteristics that enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Os padrões decorativos do edifício são características não-essenciais que melhoram seu apelo estético.
This term is primarily used in academic, philosophical, and technical contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and English-speaking cultures. In Brazil, it appears frequently in university-level logic, philosophy, and design courses. In the USA, it's commonly used in software development and product design to distinguish between 'must-have' and 'nice-to-have' features.
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