Word
distinct
Phoneticsdis·tinct, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɪŋkt/
UK/dɪstˈɪŋkt/
Definitions
01different and separate
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. clearly different or separate from something else.
adj. discrete and separate in identity or nature; often followed by the preposition 'from'.
Español:distinto
“The two species of birds are quite distinct from each other, even though they look similar.”
“The study identifies three distinct groups of consumers, each requiring a tailored marketing strategy to address their specific purchasing habits.”
Usage
Commonly used with 'from' to show separation between two nouns.
Pitfall
This problem is distinct to that one.
This problem is distinct from that one.
Use the preposition 'from' when comparing two separate things with 'distinct'.
02clear and noticeable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. easy to see, hear, or smell because it is very clear.
adj. perceptible to the senses or the mind with great clarity; unmistakable in appearance or effect.
Español:distinto
“I heard a distinct clicking sound coming from the engine of the car.”
“There was a distinct smell of ozone in the air immediately following the lightning strike, suggesting the storm was still dangerously close.”
Usage
Often modifies nouns related to sensory perception like 'sound', 'smell', or 'impression'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03definite or certain
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. strong and definite, leaving no doubt.
adj. definite and decided; used to describe a quality or feeling that is clearly present.
“The team has a distinct advantage because they are playing at home.”
“The candidate's recent performance has given her a distinct lead in the polls, though the margin remains narrow enough for a late shift.”
Usage
Frequently used with abstract nouns like 'advantage', 'possibility', or 'impression'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “distinct” in context.
Adjective
01. distinct entity
“The marketing department operates as a distinct entity within the larger corporation.”
adj + noun
02. distinct from
“This new model is quite distinct from the previous version in terms of design.”
adj + prep
03. distinct procedure
“Each laboratory test follows a distinct procedure to ensure accurate results.”
adj + noun
04. distinct species
05. distinct pattern
06. distinct types
07. distinct capacity
08. process distinct
09. quite point distinct
10. region distinct
11. structure distinct
12. type distinct
Real-World Examples
“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.” “And there seemed to be distinct differences in their supporters’ methods of voting.” “In some ways, these designed viruses were quite similar to the original ΦX174, but in other ways they were quite distinct.” Etymology
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.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/distinct
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0