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
-
Prototypes of an NFL wide receiver come in two distinct sizes and styles.
-
After open-arm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, Trump's foreign swing took a distinct tonal shift.
-
Today, FECI is the parent company to distinct business lines, including Flagler, a full-service commercial real estate company and All Aboard Florida/Brightline.
-
For Puerto Ricans, military service has two distinct features.
-
The boys of One Direction are now men, each with a distinct post-boy band look and career.
-
In addition, police have teamed up with agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on targeted raids this year on the West Side, where open-air drug markets pose problems distinct from the South Side.
-
Lewallen wrote a paper about the effects of Instagram on social comparison, and discovered a distinct relationship between perusing photos online, getting insecure about one’s looks, and then fantasizing about changing one’s appearance.
-
Aside from their generally boisterous vibe, the Globes are distinct in honoring both film and television.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
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!