Definition of distinct
1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete 1) or not the same : separate a distinct cultural group teaching as distinct from research
2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression a neat distinct handwriting
3 archaic : notably decorated
4a : notable a distinct contribution to scholarshipb : readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend 2a) a distinct possibility of snow a distinct British accent the distinct odor of sulfur
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of distinct in a Sentence
There are three distinct categories.
Each herb has its own distinct flavor.
The phrase has three distinct meanings.
There was the distinct smell of something burning.
The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded.
We had the distinct impression that they were lying.
Recent Examples of distinct from the Web
-
And casting an Indian woman in a story about the Middle East lumps two very distinct cultures together.
-
Beauty is evident in the divine-like images of nature in Walter Inglis Anderson's distinct watercolors, with palmettos and other trees, magnolia seed pods, cicadas, hummingbirds and a jumping frog.
-
Since 2009, the Shakes--who got their start playing house parties in junior high school--have been shaking radio waves with their distinct sound that was created, of course, in Alabama.
-
But Stock Island also has its own distinct character as an industrial area home to commercial fisherman, setting it apart from the touristy gimmicks of Key West.
-
So Harrier continued to model, showing up campaigns with Garnier’s skin-care division (thanks to her poreless face), Steve Madden (thanks to her infinity-legs), and Urban Outfitters (thanks to her distinct flavor of cool).
-
The former speakeasy played a distinct role in Kansas City history, thriving as far back as 1888.
-
Despite being easily grouped together because of their comparable missions to take the work out of finding workwear, each of these company tackles this very issue in a distinct way—and to varying degrees of success.
-
Now, a new study finds that nearly all modern horse breeds can be traced to two distinct, ancient Middle Eastern lines that were brought to Europe around 700 years ago.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of distinct
Middle English, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere —see distinguish
Synonym Discussion of distinct
synonyms see in addition evident
DISTINCT Defined for English Language Learners
distinct
playDefinition of distinct for English Language Learners
-
: different in a way that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : noticeably different
-
: easy to see, hear, smell, feel, etc.
-
: strong and definite
DISTINCT Defined for Kids
distinct
playDefinition of distinct for Students
1 : different from each other distinct species
2 : easy to notice or understand a distinct odor
distinctly
adverbLearn More about distinct
-
See words that rhyme with distinct Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distinct Spanish Central: Translation of distinct Nglish: Translation of distinct for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of distinct for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up distinct? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!