distinct

Definitions

dis- (apart) + stinct (the -t- form of stinguere, 'prick') = 'pricked apart,' marked off. Something distinct has been separated from the rest by a clear mark — hence 'clearly different.' From the same image comes the second sense: a mark you can perceive sharply is 'distinct,' i.e. clear and unmistakable.

Common Collocations

• 1.distinct from有别于
• 2.a distinct advantage明显的优势
• 3.distinct categories各别的类别
• 4.a distinct impression明确的印象
• 5.distinct possibility明显的可能性

Example Sentences

• 1.

  These two species are distinct, though they look alike at first glance.

• 2.

  I had the distinct impression that she was lying.

• 3.

  There was a distinct smell of smoke in the hallway.

Easily Confused

distinct vs distinctive — distinct = separate/clear (two distinct meanings). distinctive = having a special quality that sets it apart (a distinctive voice). 'Distinct' answers 'separate or clear?'; 'distinctive' answers 'characteristic of one thing?' You can't swap them: a distinct smell (a clear one) vs a distinctive smell (a signature one).