adj
Common
distinct
dih-STIHNGKT
Distinct (adj) means Clearly different or separate from something else. Example: “Cats and dogs are distinct species, even though both are kept as pets.”
adj
1
Clearly different or separate from something else.
"Cats and dogs are distinct species, even though both are kept as pets."
"The museum keeps the two collections in distinct rooms so visitors do not confuse them."
"The two proposals are distinct in their approach."
2
Clearly perceptible; noticeable and unmistakable.
"I had a distinct feeling that someone was watching me from the window."
"There was a distinct chill in the air that morning."
"She spoke with a distinct accent."
How to use distinct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClearly separate or noticeably different from something else.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "distinctive," which means recognisable or characteristic rather than simply "different."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
distinct from
distinct possibility
distinct advantage
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- distincts
- Past tense
- distincted
- Comparative
- distincter, more distinct
- Superlative
- distinctest, most distinct
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cats and dogs are _____ species, even though both are kept as pets.
Etymology
From Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere, "to distinguish."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for distinct
See all rhymes for distinct →Frequently asked questions
What does “distinct” mean?
The word “distinct” means clearly different or separate from something else. In plain terms, clearly separate or noticeably different from something else.
How do you pronounce “distinct”?
“Distinct” is pronounced dih-STIHNGKT (/dɪˈstɪŋkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “distinct” in a sentence?
Here is “distinct” used in a sentence: “The two proposals are distinct in their approach.”
What is another word for “distinct”?
Words with a similar meaning to “distinct” include vivid, acute, keen, obvious and sharp.
What is the opposite of “distinct”?
The opposite of “distinct” — its antonyms — are confusing, indistinct, same, indistinguishable and opaque.
What part of speech is “distinct”?
“Distinct” is an adjective.
Where does the word “distinct” come from?
The word “distinct” comes from Latin. From Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere, "to distinguish.".
Is “distinct” a common word?
“Distinct” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'distinct' and 'distinctive'?
'Distinct' means clearly separate or clearly noticeable, while 'distinctive' means characteristic of something and serving to identify it. A distinct smell is one you perceive unmistakably; a distinctive smell is one unique to a particular thing.
What is the difference between 'distinct' and 'separate'?
Both suggest things are not the same, but 'distinct' stresses being clearly different or recognisable, while 'separate' simply means not joined or combined. Two ideas can be separate without being distinct if the difference between them is unclear.
What nouns commonly follow 'distinct'?
'Distinct' pairs naturally with words like impression, advantage, possibility, and difference, giving phrases such as 'a distinct advantage' or 'a distinct impression.' In these collocations it means clearly perceptible or unmistakable.
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