Distinct Meaning

UK /dɪsˈtɪŋkt/
US /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
Word Definition
distinct meaning

Distinct Definition & Usage

adjective

Clearly different or separate from others; easily distinguishable.

Examples

  • "Each piece of artwork has a distinct style that sets it apart from the others."
  • "The two twins have distinct personalities despite looking alike."
  • "There’s a distinct difference between the two flavors, one is sweet and the other is bitter."
  • "His handwriting is distinct, with large loops and sharp angles."
  • "The sound of the piano in the empty hall was distinct, echoing off the walls."
adjective

Having a unique or characteristic feature that makes something or someone stand out.

Examples

  • "Her distinct voice made her immediately recognizable."
  • "The writer has a distinct approach to storytelling that resonates with readers."
  • "That film has a distinct narrative structure compared to traditional ones."
  • "The chef’s distinct use of spices made his dishes unforgettable."
  • "His distinct accent gave away his foreign origins."

Cultural Context

The word 'distinct' has its origins in Latin, from the word 'distinctus', meaning 'separated or distinguished'. It is used in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts, signifying something that stands out due to its unique qualities.

The Distinctive Marks of Memory

Story

The Distinctive Marks of Memory

In the bustling town of Larkfield, there was a small bakery known for its distinct aroma. On any given morning, you could smell the sweet scent of fresh pastries from blocks away. Ellie, a young woman who recently moved to Larkfield, had heard stories about the bakery but had never ventured inside. One morning, she decided to follow the aroma to its source. As she entered the bakery, the first thing she noticed was the distinct warmth of the air, mixed with the smells of butter and cinnamon. The pastries on display were beautifully crafted, each with its own distinct look. The croissants had perfect flaky layers, while the muffins were topped with glistening sugar crystals. Ellie picked up a chocolate muffin, its moist texture a stark contrast to the dry pastries she was used to back home. She smiled as the baker, an elderly woman with a distinct laugh, approached her. "What can I get you, dear?" she asked, her voice gentle yet unmistakably strong. Ellie couldn’t help but marvel at the way the woman’s laugh echoed throughout the shop, a sound so distinct that even the quiet chatter of other customers seemed to fade away. As Ellie sat down to enjoy her muffin, she realized that the bakery itself had a certain charm, a distinct atmosphere that made it memorable. It wasn’t just the food, but the way it made her feel—welcome, at home, and in a place where every detail had been crafted with love. Over the next few months, Ellie returned to the bakery regularly, each time appreciating the distinct features that made the bakery unique. It wasn’t just the taste of the food that kept her coming back—it was the entire experience, something that was simply impossible to replicate anywhere else.

The Distinctive Marks of Memory