English Reference
Adverb

distinctly

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate US /dɪˈstɪŋktɫi/ UK /dɪstˈɪŋktli/ dis·tinct·ly

adv.clearly and noticeably. You use it to show that something is easy to see or understand.

adv.in a clear, noticeable, or unmistakable manner.


SIMPLE

The two styles are distinctly different.

CONTEXTUAL

Her accent was distinctly British, making her stand out in the room.

COMPLEX

The new policy marks a distinctly different approach to urban planning, prioritizing green spaces over commercial development.

Though they look the same, and were in rivers humans view as neighboring, these fish had distinctly different genetic histories.

The Conversation· 24 Aug 2026

The journey from immigrant staple to diet snack reveals how yogurt took on a distinctly American identity.

JSTOR Daily· 11 Aug 2026

From distinct + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated