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distinct

adjective
dis·​tinct | \ di-ˈstiÅ‹(k)t How to pronounce distinct (audio) \

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 \ di-​ˈstiÅ‹(k)-​tlÄ“ How to pronounce distinctly (audio) , -​ˈstiÅ‹-​klÄ“ \ adverb
distinctness \ di-​ˈstiÅ‹(k)t-​nÉ™s How to pronounce distinctness (audio) , -​ˈstiÅ‹k-​nÉ™s \ 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Many protesters seek full autonomy or even independence for the enclave, whose 7.2 million people are linguistically and culturally distinct from mainland Chinese. — Time Staff, Time, "Students Boycott Classes on the First Day of the School Year in Hong Kong's Latest Democracy Protest," 2 Sep. 2019 Quickly creating a distinct and likable identity is crucial to drawing and keeping viewers. — Los Angeles Times, "Urban Meyer and Reggie Bush helping Fox build dream team for its college football show," 28 Aug. 2019 In complex ways, solidarity is related to, but distinct from, identity. — Astra Taylor, The New Republic, "One for All," 26 Aug. 2019 In Congress, a bipartisan bill, supported by the ISA industry, would seek to regulate them as a unique category, distinct from student loans, setting guardrails on certain terms like caps on total payments and a minimum income threshold. — Gregory Barber, WIRED, "Lambda School's For-Profit Plan to Solve Student Debt," 26 Aug. 2019 From teeth of these plague victims, scientists have pieced together a family tree of Y. pestis, discovering that the strain from the Justinian Plague was related to, but distinct from, other strains of the plague. — Jenny Howard, National Geographic, "Plague, explained," 20 Aug. 2019 Today, white wine is king, as Alsace specializes in dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer (distinct from the sickly sweetness usually associated with these styles) along its famed Route des Vins d’Alsace. — Tyler Moss, Condé Nast Traveler, "An Autumnal Road Trip Through Alsace Wine Country," 13 Aug. 2019 From sleepers to sectionals, mid-century to modern styles, customers can shop more than 600 distinct and personalized options, all at The Inside’s irresistibly reasonable prices. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "The Inside’s First-Ever Sofa Collection is a Pattern-Punched Dreamland," 5 Aug. 2019 And its violent strand today is being fed by three distinct, but complementary, creeds. — Brian Stelter, CNN, "Anchors and opinion writers call El Paso attack 'terror in America'," 5 Aug. 2019

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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First Known Use of distinct

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for distinct

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

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More Definitions for distinct

distinct

adjective
How to pronounce distinct (audio)

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-ˈstiÅ‹kt How to pronounce distinct (audio) \

Kids Definition of distinct

1 : different from each other distinct species
2 : easy to notice or understand a distinct odor

Other Words from distinct

distinctly adverb

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