adj.
Pronunciation: di- ' sti ŋ (k)t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin distinctus, from past participle of distinguere
Date: 14th century
1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : SEPARATE <a distinct cultural group> <teaching as distinct from research>
2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression <a neat distinct handwriting>
3 archaic : notably decorated
4 a : NOTABLE <a distinct contribution to scholarship> b : readily and unmistakably apprehended <a distinct possibility of snow> <a distinct British accent>
– dis · tinct · ly \ - ' sti ŋ (k)-tl ē , - ' sti ŋ -kl ē \ adverb
– dis · tinct · ness \ - ' sti ŋ (k)t-n ə s, - ' sti ŋ k-n ə s \ noun
synonyms DISTINCT , SEPARATE , DISCRETE mean not being each and every one the same. DISTINCT indicates that something is distinguished by the mind or eye as being apart or different from others <two distinct versions>. SEPARATE often stresses lack of connection or a difference in identity between two things < separate rooms>. DISCRETE strongly emphasizes individuality and lack of connection <broke the job down into discrete stages>. synonym see in addition EVIDENT