Dictionary.com

distinct

[ dih-stingkt ]
/ dɪˈstɪŋkt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: distinct / distinctness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
distinguished as not being the same; not identical; separate (sometimes followed by from): His private and public lives are distinct.
different in nature or quality; dissimilar (sometimes followed by from): Gold is distinct from iron.
clear to the senses or intellect; plain; unmistakable: The ship appeared as a distinct silhouette.
distinguishing or perceiving clearly: distinct vision.
unquestionably exceptional or notable: a distinct honor.
Archaic. distinctively decorated or adorned.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of distinct

1350–1400; Middle English <Latin distinctus, past participle of disting(u)ere to divide off, pick out, distinguish (di-di-2 + *sting(u)ere presumably, to prick, mark by pricking; cf. instinct1, instigate)

OTHER WORDS FROM distinct

dis·tinct·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.

How to use distinct in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for distinct

distinct
/ (dɪˈstɪŋkt) /

adjective

Derived forms of distinct

distinctly, adverbdistinctness, noun

Word Origin for distinct

C14: from Latin distinctus, from distinguere to distinguish
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK