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

That disaster, along with the Palisades fire, displaced two distinct communities with deep roots in the music industry.

From Los Angeles Times

That plea may be wise, as while The Paper will inevitably be compared to its predecessor, the creators and cast seem determined to carve out something distinct.

From BBC

A “pocket rescission” is distinct from the usual rescission process, which requires congressional approval within 45 days.

From Salon

But, as it turns out, hope can be a bold artistic decision, too, and in “Caught Stealing,” Aronofsky tests his ability to remain optimistic without losing his distinct individual touch.

From Salon

Roadless Rule areas are distinct from designated wilderness, such as the six wilderness areas in the Angeles National Forest, which are established by acts Congress and can only be undone by acts of Congress.

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.