distinct

[dih-stingkt]

adjective

1. distinguished as not being the same; not identical; separate (sometimes followed byfrom ).

   His private and public lives are distinct.

   Synonyms: individual, discrete

2. different in nature or quality; dissimilar (sometimes followed byfrom ).

   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

Other Word Forms

• distinctness noun
• distinctly adverb

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

When the asteroid data is plotted on a graph of the rotation period versus diameter, something startling stands out - there's a gap, or dividing line that appears to split two distinct populations.

From Science Daily

Decisions in several cases this year potentially give a distinct advantage in future elections to Democrats or Republicans.

From Salon

Thematically, Swift's latest lyrics have two distinct threads.

From BBC

Rios’ design takes inspiration from the state’s distinct ecological zones — from shaded oak ridges to bright meadows and coastal bluffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike most novelists, his voice has two distinct but overlapping registers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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

When To Use

What are other ways to say distinct?

The adjective distinct is used to describe things that are clearly distinguished from others. How does distinct compare to synonyms different, various, and diverse? Find out on Thesaurus.com.