distinct

dis·tinct

adj \di-ˈstiŋ(k)t\

Definition of DISTINCT

1

: distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : separate <a distinct cultural group> <teaching as distinct from research>

2

: presenting a clear unmistakable impression <a neat distinct handwriting>

3

archaic : notably decorated

4

a : notable <a distinct contribution to scholarship> b : readily and unmistakably apprehended <a distinct possibility of snow> <a distinct British accent>

— dis·tinct·ly \-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē, -ˈstiŋ-klē\ adverb

— dis·tinct·ness \-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs, -ˈstiŋk-nəs\ noun

Examples of DISTINCT

1. There are three distinct categories.
2. Each herb has its own distinct flavor.
3. The phrase has three distinct meanings.
4. There was the distinct smell of something burning.
5. The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded.
6. We had the distinct impression that they were lying.

Origin of DISTINCT

Middle English, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISTINCT

Synonyms: disparate, dissimilar, distant, different, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike

Antonyms: alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel, same, similar

Related Words: divers, miscellaneous, mixed, several, sundry, variant, varied, various; differentiable, discriminable; alternate, alternative, individual, particular, peculiar, single; disproportionate, divergent, unequal

Near Antonyms: equal, selfsame; equivalent, tantamount; akin, analogous, comparable, homological, homologous, related; homogeneous, homogenous, uniform

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of DISTINCT

distinct, separate, discrete mean not being each and every one the same. distinct indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others <two distinct versions>. separate often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things <separate rooms>. discrete strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection <broke the job down into discrete stages>.

Rhymes with DISTINCT

extinct