distinct

[ dih-stingkt ]

adjective

1. distinguished as not being the same; not identical; separate (sometimes followed by from ):

   His private and public lives are distinct.

   Synonyms: individual, discrete

2. different in nature or quality; dissimilar (sometimes followed by from ):

   Gold is distinct from iron.

3. clear to the senses or intellect; plain; unmistakable:

   The ship appeared as a distinct silhouette.

   Synonyms: well-defined, sharp, unlike, distinguishable, disparate, different

   Antonyms: indistinct

4. distinguishing or perceiving clearly:

   distinct vision.

5. unquestionably exceptional or notable:

   a distinct honor.

6. Archaic. distinctively decorated or adorned.

distinct

/ dɪˈstɪŋkt /

adjective

1. easily sensed or understood; clear; precise
2. when postpositive, foll by from not the same (as); separate (from); distinguished (from)
3. not alike; different
4. sharp; clear
5. recognizable; definite

   a distinct improvement

6. explicit; unequivocal
7. maths logic (of a pair of entities) not identical
8. botany (of parts of a plant) not joined together; separate

Derived Forms

• disˈtinctness, noun
• disˈtinctly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• dis·tinctness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinct¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin distinctus, “divided off,” past participle of disting(u)ere “to divide off, pick out, distinguish,” from di- di- ² + sting(u)ere (unrecorded), presumably, “to prick, mark by pricking”; instinct ¹, instigate

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinct¹

C14: from Latin distinctus, from distinguere to distinguish

Example Sentences

A cultured breed distinct from the hard-boiled native brand, its king and queen are Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, as it is almost impossible not to know.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the distinct sound of the Ochi is real and not digitally fabricated.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, we dive into their distinct styles while talking about what it means to keep pole dancing rooted in its history while evolving as an art — no matter where, or by whom, it is witnessed.

From Los Angeles Times

So note: The two have comparable chart histories as solo artists and were given equally prominent slots this weekend—a strong vouch from Coachella that their solo stardoms stand distinct.

From Los Angeles Times

Universal aims to provide distinct attractions at each of its parks, with the Bedfordshire one set to feature unique attractions not found elsewhere.

From BBC

Related Words

• discrete
• disparate
• dissimilar
• distinctive
• divergent
• diverse
• offbeat
• particular
• peculiar
• separate
• special
• specific
• unique
• various