distinctively different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctively different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the ways in which two or more things are different or distinct from one another. For example: The two recipes for this traditional dish are distinctively different; one is spicier with more garlic, and the other is milder with a hint of coconut.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The families, and companies, retain distinctively different styles.

The New York Times

The three fuels exhibited distinctively different char conversion patterns.

Combustion and Flame

The behaviour of the binormal and biaxiality is distinctively different for clow.

Nature

Even in his duets, Cherkaoui chooses partners – Khan, Pagés, Shivalingappa – who are distinctively different from him.

The Guardian

Their electrical response in light is distinctively different from that in dark.

Nature

They wanted a lifestyle radically and distinctively different to everyday life".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She will present each tale in a "distinctively different style", said the Royal Exchange.

The Guardian - Books

Xenografted organoids formed crypt structures distinctively different from surrounding mouse crypts, reflecting their human origin.

Cell Stem Cell

We will see an explosion in numbers of PPE graduates in coming years, drawing on distinctively different programmes.

The Guardian

…is distinctively different from natural reality and that has a moral dimension that the latter altogether lacks.

Britannica

Her presentation is distinctively different, and I look forward to this generation of young women finally ditching the pigtails.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctively different" when you want to emphasize a clear and easily noticeable contrast between two or more things. It adds weight to the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctively different" when the difference is already implied. For example, saying "two distinctively different species" is redundant because species are inherently different.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctively different" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the noticeable and clear differences between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctively different" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize clear and noticeable distinctions between two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It sees frequent use in science, news, and encyclopedic sources, highlighting its utility in formal and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure the difference is truly notable and avoid redundant applications. While alternatives like "markedly dissimilar" or "unmistakably distinct" exist, "distinctively different" uniquely emphasizes recognizable differentiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmistakably distinct

Stresses the impossibility of confusing it with something else.

clearly distinguishable

Emphasizes the ease of telling the difference.

noticeably divergent

Emphasizes the easily observed point at which they separate or differ.

markedly dissimilar

Focuses on the notable lack of resemblance.

strikingly contrasting

Draws attention to the prominent differences.

patently unique

Highlights the obvious and singular nature.

emphatically unlike

Stresses the forceful difference.

decidedly individual

Highlights the unique character of something.

exceptionally disparate

Highlights the extreme difference and inequality.

singularly unique

Combines the concepts of uniqueness and singularity for emphasis.

FAQs

How to use "distinctively different" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctively different" to highlight the ways in which two or more things are uniquely unalike. For instance, "The two architectural styles are "distinctively different", showcasing varying cultural influences".

What can I say instead of "distinctively different"?

You can use alternatives like "markedly dissimilar", "clearly distinguishable", or "unmistakably distinct" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "distinctively different" or "distinctly different"?

Both "distinctively different" and "distinctly different" are grammatically correct, but "distinctively different" emphasizes a more unique or characteristic difference. "Distinctly different" simply highlights a clear difference.

What's the difference between "distinctively different" and "uniquely different"?

"Distinctively different" implies a recognizable or characteristic difference, while "uniquely different" emphasizes that something is different in a way that nothing else is. The former is more about easily noticing a difference, and the latter is about unparalleled difference.