distinct

adjective

dis·tinct | \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)t

\

Definition of distinct

1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete sense 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 scholarship

b : readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend sense 2a) a distinct possibility of snow a distinct British accent the distinct odor of sulfur

Other Words from distinct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about distinct

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Other Words from distinct

distinctly \ -ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē ,

-ˈstiŋ-klē \ adverb

distinctness \ -ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs ,

-ˈstiŋk-nəs \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

synonyms see in addition evident

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 on the Web

Held sums up the philosophy behind an #unsungsherooffashion with two very distinct quotes. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Let Gabriel Held’s #unsungsherooffashion Be Your 2019 Style Touchstone," 7 Jan. 2019 That two so very distinct personalities have managed to forge an effective partnership is a testament to their years of professional coevolution. — Ian Volner, WSJ, "Swiss Architecture Firm Herzog & De Meuron Celebrates 40 Years," 4 Nov. 2018 That's enough of a difference to give a good bolt of life to the franchise and offer up some very distinct sorts of tension. — Daniel Starkey, Ars Technica, "Shadow of the Tomb Raider review: Fighting for my life and loving it," 10 Sep. 2018 And Kanter has his own distinct memory of that night, almost two years ago now. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "NBA star Kanter gets 'three or four death threats every week'," 12 July 2018 Winans has distinct memories of that time: The overwhelming weight of hopelessness. — Kurtis Lee, latimes.com, "In Detroit's busiest ER, a man with his own dark past tries to halt a cycle of violence," 15 June 2018 The most distinct memory from covering the 1994 World Cup in the United States? — Mike Jensen, Philly.com, "The World Cup is coming, and memories from '94 flood back," 13 June 2018 And as a second-generation American, this is a very distinct kind of struggle. — Joshua Rivera, GQ, "Vida Is the Unapologetically Latinx Show You Need To Watch," 22 May 2018 How does the hippocampus store distinct memories of similar events? — Sally Jenkins, chicagotribune.com, "How is LeBron James always one move ahead? Let's ask the scientists.," 18 May 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near distinct

distilling flask

distinctionless

Statistics for distinct

Last Updated

10 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for distinct

The first known use of distinct was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for distinct

distinct

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of distinct

: different in a way that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : noticeably different

: easy to see, hear, smell, feel, etc.

: strong and definite

See the full definition for distinct in the English Language Learners Dictionary

distinct

adjective

dis·tinct | \ di-ˈstiŋkt

\

Kids Definition of distinct

1 : different from each other distinct species

2 : easy to notice or understand a distinct odor

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substantive

important, real, or meaningful

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