distinct
English meaning: Distinct
Definition
Capable of being perceived very clearly.
Example
“Her voice was distinct despite the heavy traffic.”
Another example: “There was a distinct smell of burning coming from the kitchen.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common adjective meaning clearly separate or different ('two distinct species'), or clearly perceptible ('a distinct smell'). Neutral to formal register. Don't confuse with 'distinctive' (= characteristic).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'distinctus', past participle of 'distinguere' (to separate, distinguish), from 'dis-' (apart) plus 'stinguere' (to prick); 14th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- indistinct
- blurred
- vague
- identical
Related Words
- subspecies
- phases
- dialect
- genera
- entity
- entities
- genus
- varieties
- identity
- characteristics
Common Collocations
- distinct from
- distinct species
- a distinct possibility
- clearly distinct
- distinct advantage
- distinct impression
Word Forms
distinct (adj); distinctly (adv); distinctness (n); distinction (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B