Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Clearly or sharply defined to the mind: Perceived clearly and without confusion; having a clear meaning or character.
   • Recognizable; marked: Easily noticed or perceived; definite and unambiguous.
   • Constituting a separate entity or part: Separate and individual; not connected or the same.
   • Easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined: Perceptible to the senses, with clear boundaries or characteristics.
   • (Often followed by `from') not alike; different in nature or quality: Having qualities that set it apart; dissimilar.

Usage Examples

• Clearly or sharply defined to the mind:
  • There is distinct evidence of a problem.
  • She had a distinct memory of the event.
• Recognizable; marked:
  • There was a distinct improvement in his health.
  • The team is at a distinct disadvantage.
• Constituting a separate entity or part:
  • The report covers three distinct areas.
  • On two distinct occasions, the alarm sounded.
• Easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined:
  • The distinct smell of coffee filled the room.
  • The mountain's distinct outline was visible against the sky.
• Not alike; different in nature or quality:
  • The two concepts, while related, are quite distinct.
  • His personal interests are distinct from his professional duties.

Advanced Usage

• "As distinct from": Used to highlight a difference or contrast between two things.
  • We are discussing the legal entity, as distinct from its individual members.
• "Make a distinct effort": To make a clear and deliberate attempt.
  • He made a distinct effort to arrive on time.

Variants and Related Words

• Distinctly (adverb): In a clear and definite manner.
  • He spoke distinctly so everyone could understand.
• Distinctness (noun): The quality of being clear, definite, or separate.
  • The distinctness of the image was remarkable.
• Distinction (noun): A difference or contrast between similar things; excellence that sets someone or something apart.
  • She passed the exam with distinction.

Synonyms

• Clear: Easy to perceive or understand.
• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.
• Separate: Forming or viewed as a unit apart.
• Different: Not the same as another or each other.
• Discrete: Individually separate and distinct.

Antonyms

• Indistinct: Not clear or sharply defined.
• Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite character.
• Similar: Having a resemblance in appearance or nature.
• Unclear: Not easy to see, hear, or understand.

Related Phrases

• A distinct possibility: A very real and likely chance of something happening.
  • Given the weather, cancellation is a distinct possibility.
• Distinct lack of: A clear and noticeable absence of something.
  • There was a distinct lack of enthusiasm in the room.

Adjective

1. clearly or sharply defined to the mind
   • clear-cut evidence of tampering
   • Claudius was the first to invade Britain with distinct...intentions of conquest
   • trenchant distinctions between right and wrong
2. recognizable; marked
   • noticed a distinct improvement
   • at a distinct (or decided) disadvantage
3. constituting a separate entity or part
   • a government with three discrete divisions
   • on two distinct occasions
4. easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined
   • a distinct flavor
   • a distinct odor of turpentine
   • a distinct outline
   • the ship appeared as a distinct silhouette
   • distinct fingerprints
5. (often followed by `from') not alike; different in nature or quality
   • plants of several distinct types
   • the word `nationalism' is used in at least two distinct senses
   • gold is distinct from iron
   • a tree related to but quite distinct from the European beech
   • management had interests quite distinct from those of their employees