distinctly
Americanadverb
-
in a distinct manner; clearly.
Speak more distinctly.
-
without doubt; unmistakably.
Synonym Usage
See clearly.
Etymology
Origin of distinctly
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English. See distinct, -ly
Vocabulary lists containing distinctly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
UK political debate has had a distinctly Scottish feel these last few days.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
"I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, 'How is China the next country on the horizon? They don't even have proper toilets," she added.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
Painful memories force her to confront first her own choices, then personal grief and finally, the family secrets that provide the novel’s distinctly elegiac and holistic tone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Together, these places offer a distinctly Boulder mix: a little historic, a little offbeat and very independent—qualities that should serve Sundance well.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026
The gleam of light from the shutter still shone white and clear on the golden coverlet of the bed, picking out clearly and distinctly the tall sloping R of the monogram.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.