distinct

English

Etymology

From Middle English, borrowed from Old French, from Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere (“to distinguish”); see distinguish.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /dɪsˈtɪŋkt/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪŋkt

Adjective

distinct (comparative more distinct, superlative most distinct)

  1. Capable of being perceived very clearly.
    • 2013 July-August, Fenella Saunders, “Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture”, in American Scientist:
      The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution, resolving incoming images in minute detail.
    Her voice was distinct despite the heavy traffic.
  2. Different from one another (with the preferable adposition being "from").
    • 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, chapter 13, in Well Tackled!‎:
      “Yes, there are two distinct sets of footprints, both wearing rubber shoes—one I think ordinary plimsolls, the other goloshes,” replied the sergeant.
    Horses are distinct from zebras.
  3. Noticeably different from others; distinctive.
    Olga's voice is quite distinct because of her accent.
  4. Separate in place; not conjunct or united; with from.
    • Clarendon
      The intention was that the two armies which marched out together should afterward be distinct.
  5. (obsolete) Distinguished; having the difference marked; separated by a visible sign; marked out; specified.
    • Milton
      Wherever thus created — for no place / Is yet distinct by name.
  6. (obsolete) Marked; variegated.
    • Spenser
      The which [place] was dight / With divers flowers distinct with rare delight.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout#Translations.

Further reading

  • distinct in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • distinct in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

French

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin distinctus.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /dis.tɛ̃/, /dis.tɛ̃kt/
  • Homophone: distincts

Adjective

distinct (feminine singular distincte, masculine plural distincts, feminine plural distinctes)

  1. distinct
  2. discrete

Further reading

Romanian

Etymology

Borrowed from French distinct, Latin distinctus.

Adjective

distinct

  1. distinct
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