distinct
UK: dɪˈstɪŋkt | US: dɪˈstɪŋkt
adj. clearly different or separate
adj. unmistakable; definite
adj. notable or distinguished
The word "distinct" originates from the Latin distinctus, the past participle of distinguere ("to separate, mark off"). The prefix dis- ("apart") combines with tinctus ("marked"), derived from tingere ("to dye, mark"). Over time, the sense evolved from physical separation to abstract differentiation, emphasizing clarity and recognizability. The morpheme tinct also appears in words like "tint" and "extinct," reflecting its core idea of marking or coloring.
The two species have distinct genetic traits.
Her voice was distinct even in a crowded room.
The law makes a distinct difference between these cases.
He has a distinct advantage over his competitors.
The flavors remained distinct despite being mixed.