Category-wide attribute

A category-wide attribute is the primary feature of a superordinate level category, which serves as an abstract but defining feature of the basic level categories that are included in the superordinate level. Category-wide attributes are typically salient aspects of the experience of, or interaction with the stimuli that serves as basis of the basic level categories.

Some examples are:
 * The category-wide attribute of FURNITURE is LARGE MOVABLE OBJECT THAT MAKES A ROOM SUITABLE FOR LIVING.
 * The category-wide attribute of VEHICLE is USED IN ORDER TO TRANSPORT PEOPLE AND OBJECTS.
 * The category-wide attribute of ANIMAl is ANIMATE LIFE FORM.
 * The category-wide attribute of PLANT is INANIMATE LIFE FORM THAT GROWS OUT OF THE EARTH.

Category-wide attributes allow the conceptualizer to highlight the functionally most salient features of basic level categories.