distinct
Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type. It also describes something that is clearly perceived, easy to notice, or definitely existing.
Examples
3 of 5There are three distinct types of birds living in this specific forest habitat.
There are three separate and different categories of birds living in this specific forest habitat.
The court noted a distinct lack of evidence to support the plaintiff's primary claim.
The court noted a clear and obvious absence of evidence to support the plaintiff's primary claim.
I have a distinct feeling that we are being watched right now.
I have a very clear and unmistakable feeling that we are being watched right now.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'distance'. If two things have 'distance' between them, they are 'distinct' (separate).
Quick Quiz
The two brothers have _____ personalities despite being identical twins.
Correct!
The correct answer is: distinct
Examples
There are three distinct types of birds living in this specific forest habitat.
everydayThere are three separate and different categories of birds living in this specific forest habitat.
The court noted a distinct lack of evidence to support the plaintiff's primary claim.
formalThe court noted a clear and obvious absence of evidence to support the plaintiff's primary claim.
I have a distinct feeling that we are being watched right now.
informalI have a very clear and unmistakable feeling that we are being watched right now.
The study identifies two distinct phases of cellular development during the experiment.
academicThe study identifies two separate and individual phases of cellular development during the experiment.
Our company has a distinct advantage over competitors due to our proprietary technology.
businessOur company has a clear and definite advantage over competitors due to our proprietary technology.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
as distinct from
used to contrast two things that are different
keep distinct
to ensure two things remain separate
distinct from one another
clearly different when compared to each other
Often Confused With
Distinct means separate or clear, while distinctive means having a quality that makes something easy to recognize or characteristic of a person/thing.
Usage Notes
Use 'distinct' when you want to emphasize that two or more things are completely separate entities, or when a quality is so strong it cannot be missed.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'distinct' when they mean 'distinctive'. For example, saying a 'distinct smell' is fine, but if the smell is what makes a place unique, 'distinctive' is often the better choice.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'distance'. If two things have 'distance' between them, they are 'distinct' (separate).
Word Origin
From the Latin 'distinctus', the past participle of 'distinguere', meaning to separate by pricking or to keep separate.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The two brothers have _____ personalities despite being identical twins.
Correct!
The correct answer is: distinct
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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