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distinct

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪˈstɪŋkt// UK //dɪstˈɪŋkt// dis·tinct Academic Archaic General-service

adj. clearly different or separate from other things. You use this when you want to say that two things are not the same at all.

adj. recognisably different in nature from something else of a similar type. Often used to describe a clear boundary or a noticeable contrast between two entities.


SIMPLE

The two birds belong to distinct species.

CONTEXTUAL

The project is divided into three distinct phases to ensure each goal is met before moving on.

COMPLEX

While the two dialects share a common root, they have evolved into distinct languages with unique grammatical structures and vocabularies.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly used with the preposition 'from' when making a comparison.

Pitfall

The results are distinct to the previous study.The results are distinct from the previous study.The adjective distinct typically takes the preposition 'from' rather than 'to' when indicating a difference.

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