distinctly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has been clearly comprehended or grasped without ambiguity. Example: "After the presentation, it was distinctly understood that the project would require additional funding to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It must be distinctly understood," he declared, "that treason expressed or implied will not be tolerated".

The New York Times

"This must be distinctly understood," he writes, "or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate".

The New York Times

"I wish it to be distinctly understood (said Reginald) that I don't want a "George, Prince of Wales" Prayer-book as a Christmas present.

The Guardian - Books

Still, it is, Mr Hassan says, "dumber than a doornail .In "A Christmas Carol", the first thing Charles Dickens tells the reader is that Jacob Marley is "dead as a doornail": this fact "must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am to relate".

The Economist

24]: "First of all, I wish it to be distinctly understood that I am not going to change my policy nor to modify in the least the programme of Liberal reforms which this Government has already commenced to institute in Spain and will continue to put into effect while it enjoys the confidence of the King and of the Parliamentary majority".

The New York Times

From a careful examination of all these authorities I am of opinion that the principles and rules deducible from them are in direct contravention of those principles and rules which were so elaborately pressed upon me during the argument; and I wish it to be distinctly understood that I entertain no doubt whatever that the point of law has been properly decided in the Court below.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A key claim in Descartes's argument is that "the fact that I can clearly and distinctly understand one thing apart from another is enough to make me certain that the two things are distinct" (Descartes 1641a, 2.54).

SEP

In the Principles of Philosophy, Descartes says: "Strictly speaking, a real distinction exists only between two or more substances; and we can perceive that two substances are really distinct simply from the fact that we can clearly and distinctly understand one apart from the other" (Principles, I, §60, CSM, I, p. 213, AT 28).

SEP

Neurath's philosophical contributions to logical empiricism appear now more distinctly motivated and more clearly understood: It is to serve the valuable goal of unified science, within science, philosophy and society, that Neurath conceived the stress on two further epistemological aims, namely, the role of collective efforts and finally, by implication, intersubjectivity (ibid).

SEP

To see what may come of them, however wonderful, you have distinctly to understand how very little thought they are currently capable of.

The Economist

It will only be when analysis has helped us towards concepts which are understood distinctly and in detail that it will be possible for synthesis to subsume compound cognitions under the simplest cognition, as happens in mathematics.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly understood" to add emphasis when you want to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation or doubt about something.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctly understood" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in those situations. Opt for simpler phrases like "clearly understood" or "got it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly understood" functions as an adverb-verb phrase that modifies a statement, emphasizing the clarity and certainty of comprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable in written English to highlight a clear understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly understood" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to underscore clarity and certainty in understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific writing, and academic discourse. While less common in informal settings, its purpose is to eliminate ambiguity and emphasize comprehension. Alternative phrases, such as "clearly comprehended" or "explicitly grasped", can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, this phrase adds a layer of emphasis to ensure the message is received as intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly comprehended

Emphasizes the act of understanding with clarity.

explicitly grasped

Highlights the thoroughness and directness of the understanding.

unambiguously perceived

Focuses on the absence of any possible misinterpretation.

unequivocally clear

Stresses the certainty and decisiveness of the understanding.

patently obvious

Implies that the understanding is readily apparent and requires little effort.

fully appreciated

Highlights the complete and comprehensive nature of the understanding.

readily apparent

Indicates the ease with which something is understood.

unmistakably clear

Emphasizes that there is no room for doubt or confusion.

definitively ascertained

Highlights a definite and certain discovery or establishment of understanding.

incontrovertibly grasped

Indicates an understanding that cannot be disputed or denied.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctly understood" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctly understood" to emphasize that something has been clearly comprehended. For example: "It must be "distinctly understood" that this project requires additional funding."

What phrases are similar to "distinctly understood"?

Alternatives include "clearly comprehended", "explicitly grasped", or "unambiguously perceived".

Is "distinctly understood" formal or informal?

"Distinctly understood" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "clearly understood" or "got it" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "clearly understood" and "distinctly understood"?

While both phrases convey clarity in understanding, "distinctly understood" adds more emphasis, suggesting a higher degree of certainty and lack of ambiguity. "Clearly understood" is a more general and versatile phrase.