distinct
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
clearly different or separate from something else.
discrete and separate in identity or nature; often followed by the preposition 'from'.
Simple“The two species of birds are quite distinct from each other, even though they look similar.”
In context“The study identifies three distinct groups of consumers, each requiring a tailored marketing strategy to address their specific purchasing habits.”
UsageCommonly used with 'from' to show separation between two nouns.
PitfallThis problem is distinct to that one. This problem is distinct from that one.Use the preposition 'from' when comparing two separate things with 'distinct'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
easy to see, hear, or smell because it is very clear.
perceptible to the senses or the mind with great clarity; unmistakable in appearance or effect.
Simple“I heard a distinct clicking sound coming from the engine of the car.”
In context“There was a distinct smell of ozone in the air immediately following the lightning strike, suggesting the storm was still dangerously close.”
UsageOften modifies nouns related to sensory perception like 'sound', 'smell', or 'impression'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
strong and definite, leaving no doubt.
definite and decided; used to describe a quality or feeling that is clearly present.
Simple“The team has a distinct advantage because they are playing at home.”
In context“The candidate's recent performance has given her a distinct lead in the polls, though the margin remains narrow enough for a late shift.”
UsageFrequently used with abstract nouns like 'advantage', 'possibility', or 'impression'.
Usage distinct species · distinct pattern · distinct types
“When they strung the images together as a sort of movie, a distinct pattern emerged.”
“Each type of cell folds its genetic material into a distinct three-dimensional arrangement, allowing a heart cell to access a different set of instructions than a brain cell.”
From Middle English distincte, past participle of distincten (“to distinguish, discern”), from Old French destincter, from Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere (“to distinguish”); see distinguish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.