distinct

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​tinct di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

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

4

a

: 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

distinctly

di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tlē 

-ˈstiŋ-klē

adverb

distinctness

di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs 

-ˈstiŋk-nəs

noun

distinctness

2 of 2

noun

dis·​tinct·​ness -ŋtnə̇s 

-ŋkn-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being distinct

Synonyms of distinct

Adjective

• different
• distinctive
• diverse
• distinguishable

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

Adjective

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

Adjective

The open-plan main level creates distinct entertaining zones while allowing spaces to transition naturally into one another. — Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026

In one of the farming groups, the researchers identified a distinct version of a receptor gene called OR12D3. — Willow Zhang, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026

Whether winning us over with her glamorous red carpet-ready style or inspiring us with chic off-duty outfits, Gerber has developed a distinct point of view that is truly noteworthy. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Williams did her own makeup for her media appearances while Keopple sent her muse down the orange carpets in two distinct looks featuring her own custom designs and luxury pieces. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing distinct

• as distinct from

Rhymes for distinct

• extinct
• hoodwinked
• precinct
• succinct
• unlinked
• blinked
• clinked
• inked
• kinked
• linked
• tinct
• winked

Kids Definition

distinct

adjective

dis·​tinct dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t 

1

: real and different from each other

five distinct varieties

pears as distinct from apples

2

: clearly seen, heard, or understood : plain, unmistakable

speaks with a distinct accent

a distinct possibility

3

: notable

made a distinct contribution to science

distinctly adverb

distinctness noun