distinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distinct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "distinct" to describe things that are clearly different and separate from each other. For example, "The two items have distinct differences that make them easy to identify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her friends said she was determined to learn the lessons of Labour's involvement in the Scottish independence referendum and that "she wants Labour to run a distinct and distinctive campaign in the in/out referendum".

The Guardian

Though each of them had a very distinct reaction to the challenges of making art that seemed honest and relevant to the present moment, it was also true that in talking to the four of them separately, common themes emerged.

The Guardian

When asked to respond to Simon Cowell's recent comment that Clarkson "started to fight against what made her successful … one minute she wants to make pop records, and then she doesn't," she laughs loudly again, but there's a distinct flash of anger as she says: "Everyone's aware that My Life Would Suck Without You and Already Gone were huge pop hits, right?

The Guardian - Music

By my mid-twenties my career was on a distinct and structured path.

The Guardian

Those who want a straight extension of the Patriot Act are in a distinct minority and supporters of the USA Freedom Act still cannot muster the necessary super majority to advance the bill.

The Guardian

By the beginning of 2006, the site had 100,000 users and hosted torrents for nearly a million distinct albums, making it four times bigger than the iTunes store.

The Guardian - Books

But if we look behind actually existing neoliberalism's superficial slogans about pure markets we find a distinct lack of internal coherence.

The Guardian - Opinion

To such catastrophic "modernity", the most likely political response is often conservatism – with a small "c", as distinct from the self-annulling Conservatism of today's radical modernisers.

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast to his production work for rappers like Joey Bada$$ and Souls of Mischief, Bannon's solo work is a distinct brand of atmospheric jungle which nods as much to digital culture as it does to the early years sounds of Goldie's Metalheadz label.

The Guardian - Music

This means the frog is not only extremely distinct, but also highly threatened.

The Guardian

"By contrast, five of the eight bodies in our study yielded more than one type of tuberculosis – remarkably, from one individual, we obtained evidence of three distinct strains".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct" to emphasize clarity and ease of perception when describing differences. For example, "The painting styles of the two artists are distinct, making each easily recognizable."

Common error

Avoid using "distinct" when you mean "distinctive". "Distinct" refers to being clearly different or separate, while "distinctive" means having a quality or characteristic that makes something easily recognizable. A "distinct feature" is simply different, while a "distinctive feature" is memorable or characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The word "distinct" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is clearly different, easily perceived, or separate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "distinct" is a versatile term used to denote clarity, separation, and ease of perception. It is grammatically sound and frequently employed across numerous contexts, primarily within News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through a wealth of examples. While "distinct" shares semantic space with terms like "separate", "different" and "distinguishable", it's crucial to distinguish it from "distinctive", which implies uniqueness or memorability. Employing "distinct" effectively enhances clarity and precision in writing, ensuring that differences are unmistakably conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate

This term emphasizes the state of being apart or not connected, highlighting physical or conceptual division.

different

This is a general term indicating a lack of similarity or identity between two or more things.

distinguishable

This emphasizes the ability to recognize or perceive differences clearly.

discrete

This highlights the individuality and separateness of elements within a larger context.

unique

This stresses the unparalleled nature of something, setting it apart from all others.

individual

This emphasizes the specific and particular nature of something.

dissimilar

This term indicates a marked contrast or divergence between things.

unrelated

This suggests a lack of connection or association between items or concepts.

contrasting

This highlights the differences between two things that are being compared.

markedly different

This phrase underscores a significant degree of divergence or contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "distinct" in a sentence?

You can use "distinct" to describe something that is clearly different or easily perceived. For example, "The two flavors have a distinct taste", or "There's a distinct possibility that it will rain tomorrow".

What words can I use instead of "distinct"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "separate", "different", "distinguishable", or "discrete".

Is it correct to say something is "distinct from" something else?

Yes, it is correct. The preferable adposition to use with "distinct" is "from". For example, "Horses are distinct from zebras".

What's the difference between "distinct" and "distinctive"?

"Distinct" means clearly different or separate, while "distinctive" means having a unique quality or characteristic. A "distinct feature" is simply different, whereas a "distinctive feature" is memorable or characteristic. It may be useful to review the example about "distinctive" to fully grasp its different meaning.