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.
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
But despite taking the first set, he was distinctly below par throughout the best-of-three encounter, averaging just 82.41.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 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
But one area where the U.S. is currently distinctly on top is stock-market performance.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 21, 2026
Hazel could recall Hawkbit—a rather slow, stupid rabbit whose company for five snowbound days underground had been distinctly tedious.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
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.
