distinct Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite (often followed by `from') not alike; different in nature or quality
    distinguishable.
    • plants of several distinct types
    • the word `nationalism' is used in at least two distinct senses
    • gold is distinct from iron
    • a tree related to but quite distinct from the European beech
    • management had interests quite distinct from those of their employees
  2. adjective easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined
    • a distinct flavor
    • a distinct odor of turpentine
    • a distinct outline
    • the ship appeared as a distinct silhouette
    • distinct fingerprints
  3. adjective satellite constituting a separate entity or part
    discrete.
    • a government with three discrete divisions
    • on two distinct occasions
  4. adjective satellite recognizable; marked
    decided.
    • noticed a distinct improvement
    • at a distinct (or decided) disadvantage
  5. adjective satellite clearly or sharply defined to the mind
    clear-cut; trenchant.
    • clear-cut evidence of tampering
    • Claudius was the first to invade Britain with distinct...intentions of conquest
    • trenchant distinctions between right and wrong

WordNet

Dis*tinct" adjective
Etymology
L. distinctus, p. p. of distinguere: cf. F. distinct. See Distinguish.
Definitions
  1. Distinguished; having the difference marked; separated by a visible sign; marked out; specified. Obs.
    Wherever thus created -- for no place Is yet distinct by name. Milton.
  2. Marked; variegated. Obs.
    The which [place] was dight With divers flowers distinct with rare delight. Spenser.
  3. Separate in place; not conjunct; not united by growth or otherwise; -- with from.
    The intention was that the two armies which marched out together should afterward be distinct. Clarendon.
  4. Not identical; different; individual.
    To offend, and judge, are distinct offices. Shak.
  5. So separated as not to be confounded with any other thing; not liable to be misunderstood; not confused; well-defined; clear; as, we have a distinct or indistinct view of a prospect.
    Relation more particular and distinct. Milton.
    Syn. -- Separate; unconnected; disjoined; different; clear; plain; conspicuous; obvious.
Dis*tinct" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To distinguish. Obs. Rom. of R.

Webster 1913