distinctive meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinctive meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the specific and unique meaning of something. For example, "The term 'cavalcade' has a distinctive meaning in the context of 19th century literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Later, the term caitya assumed the distinctive meaning of a meeting place or meditation grove for mendicant renunciates and a pilgrimage centre for the laity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Linsanity is a distinctive term with a distinctive meaning and is closely associated with Lin himself, rather than any other individual or business entity," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Vaughn is a director who manages to be both broadly commercial and also quite distinctive meaning that Fox could position Kingsman as both accessibly mainstream and something a bit different to what audiences had seen before.

The Guardian - Film

It functions in the same way as the statement of interest prescribed for an admiralty proceeding by Rule C 6), and is not related to the distinctive meaning of "claim" in admiralty practice.

Cornell University

There has been an increase in the number opting for the label "English" as the one that best describes their nationality (see chart).Respondents not only embrace a British identity less readily than they did but also have trouble ascribing a distinctive meaning to it.

The Economist

Joseph Raz rejected Hart's claim that normative terms have a distinctive meaning in statements of law.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Importantly, symbolic interactionism does not deny the unique; it is directly concerned with how distinctive meanings are adapted and interpreted through social practice.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

Specifically, cultural products draw upon various cultural elements as their creative source and facilitate the interpretation of distinctive meanings or appreciation of the culture.

Fashion and Textiles

The narrower interpretation permits regarding Hume's claim as peacefully co-existing with the history of mechanics, where dynamic terms such as those above and related terms (such as those that are more fundamental) have distinctive meanings and uses that are crucially important.

SEP

But without the distinctive meanings, they would lack individuation and identity.

Huffington Post

The task, as I see it, is to do justice both to the common Abrahamic discourse and to the distinctive meanings that it authorizes in each community.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "distinctive meaning" to emphasize the specific nuances of a term or concept within a particular field or discipline.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive meaning" as a generic descriptor. Always provide specific details about what makes the meaning distinctive to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive meaning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'distinctive' modifies 'meaning'. It serves to specify that a particular concept or term has a unique or easily distinguishable significance. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

27%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the unique significance of a term or concept. According to Ludwig, the phrase is applicable across various contexts, primarily in science, news and media, and academia. Its purpose is to highlight nuances that differentiate it from similar terms. While versatile, remember to provide sufficient context to clarify the specific distinctiveness you are highlighting. Considering these insights will aid in using the phrase effectively and precisely in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic meaning

Focuses on the typical or recognizable aspect of the meaning.

unique meaning

Emphasizes the unparalleled or singular nature of the meaning.

special meaning

Highlights the particular or significant aspect of the meaning.

particular meaning

Stresses the specific and detailed sense of the meaning.

specific meaning

Implies a precise and clearly defined meaning.

peculiar meaning

Suggests an unusual or odd characteristic of the meaning.

individual meaning

Focuses on the personal or subjective interpretation of the meaning.

singular meaning

Highlights that the phrase has only one meaning and cannot be interpreted in many ways.

exclusive meaning

Suggests that the meaning is reserved for a specific group or context.

differentiated meaning

Stresses how the meaning is different from others.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "distinctive meaning" in a sentence?

To effectively use "distinctive meaning", ensure you provide context that clarifies what makes the meaning unique. For example, "The term 'zeitgeist' carries a "distinctive meaning" in cultural studies" demonstrates its specific relevance.

What are some alternatives to "distinctive meaning" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "unique meaning", "special meaning", or "particular meaning" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "distinctive meaning" and "different meaning"?

"Distinctive meaning" implies a unique and easily recognizable significance, whereas "different meaning" simply indicates that the meaning is not the same as another. The former emphasizes individuality, while the latter emphasizes contrast.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "distinctive meaning"?

It is most appropriate to use "distinctive meaning" in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where precision and clarity are essential. It is also useful when discussing cultural or historical nuances where certain terms have evolved specific connotations.