distinct
gb/dɪstˈɪŋkt/ us/dɪstˈɪŋkt/
B2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
clearly different or separate
Easy to see as different from something else.
Usage pattern:
[something] is distinct from [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'distinct' with 'distinctive'. 'Distinct' means clearly separate, while 'distinctive' means having a special quality that makes something easy to recognize.
Synonyms
different (More general term; 'distinct' emphasizes clear separation or uniqueness.)
|
separate (Focuses on being apart physically or conceptually, not necessarily on clarity of difference.)
Antonyms
similar (Indicates having qualities in common rather than being clearly different.)
|
indistinct (Means unclear or blurred, the opposite of clearly separate.)
Collocations
quite distinct
|distinct possibility
|distinct advantage
|distinct style
|remain distinct
Themes
description
|comparison
|perception
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The two species are distinct in both appearance and behavior.
- Her voice was distinct from all the others in the choir.
- These are two distinct issues that should not be confused.
- The pattern on each vase is distinct, making them unique.
- There is a distinct difference between the two proposals.
Learner examples
- My bag is distinct from yours.
- Cats and dogs are distinct animals.
- The two colors are distinct.
- His style is distinct from mine.
adjective
B2
property
2
easy to notice or recognize
Easy to see, hear, or understand.
Usage pattern:
a distinct [sound/smell/impression]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'clear' instead of 'distinct', missing the nuance of separation from other signals or stimuli.
Synonyms
clear (General term for easy to perceive; 'distinct' can imply separation from background noise or context.)
Antonyms
unclear (Not easy to perceive or understand.)
|
indistinct (Blurred or hard to detect.)
Collocations
distinct sound
|distinct smell
|distinct impression
|distinct voice
Themes
perception
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I heard a distinct knock at the door.
- There was a distinct smell of smoke in the air.
- She had the distinct impression that she was being watched.
- His accent is quite distinct and easy to recognize.
Learner examples
- I heard a distinct cry.
- There is a distinct taste of lemon in the cake.
- I have a distinct memory of that day.
- The voice was distinct in the quiet room.
adjective
B2
property
3
definite and obvious
Real and clear enough to notice or be sure about.
Usage pattern:
a distinct [possibility/advantage/chance]
Synonyms
definite (Stronger emphasis on certainty; 'distinct' conveys clarity as well as certainty.)
Antonyms
uncertain (Lacking clarity or certainty.)
Collocations
distinct possibility
|distinct chance
|distinct advantage
Themes
certainty
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There’s a distinct possibility that it will rain tomorrow.
- She has a distinct advantage over the other candidates due to her experience.
- I felt a distinct change in his attitude.
Learner examples
- There is a distinct chance of rain.
- She has a distinct advantage in the game.
- I saw a distinct change in the weather.
Grammar
Dictionary form
distinct
IPA
GB/dɪstˈɪŋkt/
US/dɪstˈɪŋkt/
Syllables & stress
dis - tinct (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tinct)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: distinct
- Comparative: distincter
- Superlative: distinctest
Word family
Forms
distincter
adjective
distinctest
adjective
Core family
Related words
distinguishable
adjective
distinctively
adverb
distinctiveness
noun
distinguished
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
distinctness
noun
Expressions
by no means distinct
1/bˈaɪ nˈoʊ mˈinz dɪstˈɪŋkt/
fixed phrase
not clearly different at all
Not different in any clear way.
Examples
- The twins are by no means distinct; they look almost identical.
- These problems are by no means distinct from each other.
make a distinction between
1/mˈeɪk ə dɪstˈɪŋkʃən bɪtwˈin/
fixed phrase
recognize or show difference between things
To understand or show how two things are different.
Examples
- It's important to make a distinction between opinion and fact.
- The law makes a clear distinction between adults and minors.