'trait-based' originates from the combination of 'trait' and 'based', where 'trait' comes from the Latin word 'tractus', meaning 'drawn' or 'pulled', and 'based' comes from the Old French 'basse', meaning 'foundation'.

'trait' evolved from the Old French word 'trait', and 'based' from the Old French 'basse', eventually forming the modern English term 'trait-based'.

Initially, 'trait' referred to a 'line or stroke', but over time it evolved to mean 'characteristic', and 'based' has retained its meaning of 'foundation'.