distinct

adjective dis·tinct \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)t \

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: distinct in a Sentence

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

4 a : notable

a distinct contribution to scholarship

b : readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend 2a)

a distinct possibility of snow

a distinct British accent

the distinct odor of sulfur

—

distinctly

play \-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē, -ˈstiŋ-klē\ adverb

—

distinctness

play \-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs, -ˈstiŋk-nəs\ noun

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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

The $200 million project is distinct from the existing gates, some of which date back to the 1980s.

— ely portillo, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte airport is opening new gates this month, and already planning for more," 6 July 2018
That category, which is distinct from farm laborers, houses 3.5% of the oldest workers — but just 0.5% of the rest of the population.

— andrew van dam, latimes.com, "A record number of folks age 85 and older are working. Here's what they're doing," 5 July 2018
Photo: Liliana Llamas/WSJ Music publishers control the rights to the lyrics and music of songs, and are distinct from record labels, which own and distribute recordings of those songs.

— anne steele, WSJ, "Updated Music-Copyright Law Clears Senate Panel," 28 June 2018
Their statistical analysis found both the skull and molars were so distinct from all of today's gibbons that the fossil belonged to a separate genus.

— gretchen vogel, Science | AAAS, "Vanished ape found in ancient Chinese tomb, giving clues to its disappearance," 21 June 2018
This is distinct from the Efail encrypted email vulnerability that surfaced in March and ultimately less worrisome.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: A Popular Spanish Soccer App Used Phone Mics to Snoop," 16 June 2018
Please note that these proposals are mid-term and are totally distinct from the pending term renegotiations.

— joe davidson, Washington Post, "Social Security, HUD act on Trump’s orders in move to emasculate unions," 15 June 2018
Created over 43 years by the Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, the 25 gardens are each distinct in design and home to more than 3,000 plants from around the world.

— jill k. robinson, San Francisco Chronicle, "Santa Barbara serenity abounds in region’s 5 best public gardens," 14 June 2018
As a writer, his voice was distinct—probing, curious, vulnerable, questioning, and colorful.

— catherine womack, Los Angeles Magazine, "A Night of Music That Helped Me Mourn Bourdain," 12 June 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.

Origin and Etymology of distinct

Middle English, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere — see distinguish

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

distinct Synonyms

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.