G.W. Allport, a renowned psychologist, has contributed significantly to the understanding of personality by describing it in terms of traits. Let's delve into an explanation of this answer.

1. G.W. Allport's approach:
Gordon Willard Allport was an American psychologist who emphasized the importance of understanding personality in terms of traits. He believed that traits are fundamental units of personality that can be used to describe and explain individual differences in behavior.

2. Personality traits:
Personality traits are enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are relatively stable over time and across different situations. Allport classified traits into three levels: cardinal traits, central traits, and secondary traits.

- Cardinal traits: These are dominant traits that shape an individual's behavior and personality. They are rare and tend to define a person's entire life.
- Central traits: These traits are general characteristics that are relatively consistent across different situations. They play a significant role in shaping an individual's behavior.
- Secondary traits: These traits are specific to certain situations and may not be as consistent or influential as central traits.

3. Allport's contribution:
Allport's emphasis on traits was a departure from previous theories that focused on unconscious drives or external influences. He believed that traits are unique to each individual and play a crucial role in understanding personality.

4. Criticism and limitations:
While Allport's trait theory has made significant contributions to the field of personality psychology, it has also faced criticisms and limitations. Some critics argue that traits alone cannot fully explain the complexity of human behavior, as other factors such as situational influences and personal experiences also play a role.

In conclusion, G.W. Allport has tried to describe personality in terms of traits. His approach emphasized the importance of understanding individual differences in behavior through the identification and classification of traits. While his theory has faced criticisms, it has contributed to the understanding of personality and provided a framework for further research in the field.