Cardinal traits are best described as:

Cardinal traits are defined as the dominant characteristics that influence a person's behavior across a wide range of situations and activities. These traits are so central to an individual’s personality that they can be observed in various contexts, shaping their actions and attitudes significantly. For example, if a person is known for being exceptionally altruistic, this cardinal trait would manifest in multiple aspects of their life, influencing how they interact with others and make decisions.

In contrast, other types of traits, such as central or secondary traits, have different characteristics; central traits are important but not as dominant, while secondary traits are situational and less influential. Minor traits may affect specific behaviors but do not define a person's overarching personality. Therefore, the key aspect of cardinal traits is their influential nature across a majority of activities and contexts in a person's life.