distinct
Americanadjective
-
distinguished as not being the same; not identical; separate (sometimes followed byfrom ).
His private and public lives are distinct.
- Synonyms:
- individual, discrete
-
different in nature or quality; dissimilar (sometimes followed byfrom ).
Gold is distinct from iron.
-
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
-
distinguishing or perceiving clearly.
distinct vision.
-
unquestionably exceptional or notable.
a distinct honor.
-
Archaic. distinctively decorated or adorned.
adjective
-
easily sensed or understood; clear; precise
-
(when postpositive, foll by from) not the same (as); separate (from); distinguished (from)
-
not alike; different
-
sharp; clear
-
recognizable; definite
a distinct improvement
-
explicit; unequivocal
-
maths logic (of a pair of entities) not identical
-
botany (of parts of a plant) not joined together; separate
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- distinctly adverb
- distinctness noun
Etymology
Origin of distinct
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
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.
The nation's deep south is culturally distinct from the rest of Buddhist-majority Thailand, which took control of the region more than a century ago.
From Barron's
He was “a thoughtful and compassionate conservative leader. Clearly his father’s son, he nonetheless forged his own distinct and influential voice within the conservative movement,” said former California Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring.
From Los Angeles Times
This was the place where families could raise their children in peace under the deodar cedars and watch the San Gabriels fade to a distinct purple as the sun set.
From Los Angeles Times
“It’s a moment that calls for Caltech’s distinct contributions and leadership.”
From Los Angeles Times
Avon and Somerset Police said there had been a "number of reported sightings" of the men but there was a "distinct possibility" they had travelled out of the area.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
