distinctdis‧tinct /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ ●●○ W3 AWL adjective 
two entirely distinct languagesdistinct types/groups/categories etc There are four distinct types.distinct from The learning needs of the two groups are quite distinct from each other.2as distinct from something used to make it clear that you are not referring to a particular kind of thing, but to something else: a movie star, as distinct from an actor3something that is distinct can clearly be seen, heard, smelled etc OPP indistinct: The outline of the ship became more distinct.4[only before noun] a distinct possibility, feeling, quality etc definitely exists and cannot be ignored: I got the distinct impression he was trying to make me angry. There is a distinct possibility that this will eventually be needed. a distinct lack of enthusiasm
WORD ORIGINdistinct
Origin:
1300-1400 Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere; ➔ DISTINGUISHEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a distinct advantage
- African and Asian elephants are distinct species.
- As night fell, the outline of the mountain became less distinct.
- I get the distinct impression that you don't like her very much.
- I have a distinct memory of my grandma sitting in the rocking chair, knitting.
- The European Union is made up of 15 nations with distinct cultural, linguistic and economic roots.
- The mammoth was related to, but distinct from, modern elephants.
- The sign's lettering was crisp and distinct.
- But as recipes for body-building, they have a distinct Utility Function.
- Clearly distinct from the others were the two groups with the modern lacquers and the samples treated with preservative.
- Hardest to predict is whether an eventual movement for reform will adopt a distinct and more hopeful political and economic orientation.
- The cottage development acquired a distinct demographic identity, as well as a life-style of its own.
- The snow layer was thin and slightly sticky so the tracks were distinct rather than immediately filled in as made.
- There are two distinct phases to Ramsay's career, and two accompanying styles.
- There is often no distinct episode of illness with clear beginning and end points.
- There was certainly a distinct local advertising market available to support it.
Longman Language Activatorclear and easy to see
· He had left clear footprints in the wet sand.· Even after two thousand years the writing is quite clear.· Most of the photos were very sharp and clear.
an object, line, or shape that is distinct is very clear so that you can easily see that it is separate from the things around it: · The sign's lettering was crisp and distinct.· As night fell, the outline of the mountain became less distinct.
clearly different from other things of the same type designed for one particular purpose, and therefore different from other things of its type: · Bob's been on a special diet since his heart attack.· The fish will be kept in special tanks that mimic the natural currents in rivers.
: specially designed/made/built/chosen etc designed, made, built etc for a special purpose: · Customs officers use specially trained dogs to search for drugs.· We're introducing a new range of beauty products specially designed for teenagers.
clearly different from others of the same kind: · The lights were arranged to give a particular effect.· Is there a particular type of car that you are looking for?· I didn't have any particular plan in mind.
two or more things that are distinct from each other belong to the same general type, but are clearly different from each other in an important way: · The European Union is made up of 15 nations with distinct cultural, linguistic and economic roots.distinct from: · The mammoth was related to, but distinct from, modern elephants.
very easy to notice or understand something that is obvious is very easy to notice or understand: · There is an obvious connection between the two murders.· "Why is she leaving?" "Well, it's obvious, isn't it?"it is obvious that: · It's obvious that something is wrong.· It was obvious from the start that my parents disliked Nancy.it is obvious to somebody: · It should be obvious to everyone that we need to make some changes.for obvious reasons (=when the reasons are so obvious that you do not need to say what they are): · For obvious reasons, we've had to cancel tonight's performance.
if it is clear that something is true, it is easy to notice that it is true and you feel sure about it and have no doubts: it is clear that: · It was clear that Lesley was very upset by what had happened.it is clear to somebody: · It was clear to me that my father was dying.it becomes clear: · It soon became clear that there were not enough police officers to deal with the situation.· It became clear after talking to him that Andrew wasn't going to cooperate.clear evidence/example/sign etc: · There is clear evidence that certain diets reduce your chances of getting cancer.· clear signs of an economic recovery
use this to emphasize that it is easy to see that something is true: · We're obviously going to need more help.· Clearly, the situation is more complicated than we first thought.· The children were clearly upset.· Obviously, this guy's a complete fraud.· The language of the article clearly reveals the author's bias.
to know that something must be true because you can see signs that show this: can tell (that): · I can tell that Mark isn't happy here.· Even though it was dark, she could tell it was him.can tell if: · I can't tell if this is dirty or not. Can you?can tell by: · I could tell by the way she walked that her knee was still bothering her.
if it is easy to see that something is true, it is very easy for anyone to notice or understand that fact: it is easy to see (that): · It's easy to see that he isn't well.· It was easy to see that Minna was embarrassed by her father's behaviour.it is easy to see how/why/what: · It's easy to see why this place is so popular.
a noticeable difference, change, improvement etc is easy to notice: noticeable change: · The most noticeable change was in my younger brother, who had grown quite a bit and was now a third-grader.noticeable improvement: · There has been a noticeable improvement in Jeremy's behaviour lately.barely/hardly/scarcely noticeable (=almost not noticeable): · Stop worrying about your pimples; they're barely noticeable.it is noticeable that: · It was quite noticeable that everyone had been invited except for Gail.
formal a perceptible difference, change, improvement etc can be noticed even though it is small: · The influence of Sartre is perceptible in Hogan's novel.perceptible change: · According to Reynolds, there has been a slight but perceptible change in public attitude lately.barely/scarcely/hardly perceptible (=almost not perceptible): · His lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.· When he asked if she wanted something to eat, she gave a barely perceptible nod.
a distinct or definite possibility, feeling, quality etc is noticeable and cannot be ignored: distinct/definite possibility: · A civil war is a distinct possibility.· Food shortages are so severe that mass starvation is a definite possibility.distinct advantage: · Trigg's height should give him a distinct advantage in his match against Robinson.distinct impression: · I had the distinct impression that Rachel was displeased.
obvious - used formally or in literature: · Even at the age of eight his musical talent was apparent.for no apparent reason (=without a clear reason): · Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, he turned his back and walked away.it is evident (from something) that: · From the look on Jill's face, it was evident that the news came as a complete shock.it became apparent/evident that: · It became evident that Lena wasn't going to be able to handle the project on her own.· After a few months, it became apparent that Vicky did not have a genuine interest in her job.
something or someone that is conspicuous is very easy to notice, because they are different from everything or everyone else around them: · Cuzco's few tourists are conspicuous as they explore the old cobbled streets.· Downtown business owners say they want the city's homeless shelter moved to a less conspicuous location.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY two entirely distinct languages There are four distinct types. The learning needs of the two groups are quite distinct from each other. I got the distinct impression he was trying to make me angry. There is a distinct possibility that this will eventually be needed. a distinct lack of enthusiasmCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
two entirely distinct languages There are four distinct types. The learning needs of the two groups are quite distinct from each other. I got the distinct impression he was trying to make me angry. There is a distinct possibility that this will eventually be needed. a distinct lack of enthusiasm (=one that you can clearly notice)· Electronic trading has a number of distinct advantages.
(=clearly different from others)· Animals fall into distinct categories.
(=a definite or noticeable advantage)· Being tall gives you a distinct edge in some sports.
(=used when something seems very clear to you)· We were left with the impression that the contract was ours if we wanted it.
(=very noticeable)· She looked at him with a marked lack of enthusiasm.
(=something that is quite likely)· I knew there was a distinct possibility that I might fail my degree.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· These two techniques of casting are regarded as distinct and having different geographical distributions.· Entrepreneurial strategies - as distinct from their managerial implementation - centre on investment, marketing and the form of company organisation.· These are seen as distinct stages of Third World exploitation associated with the growth of industrial capitalism in the west.· No, mass-produced reproductions - as distinct from limited edition - prints seldom if ever rise in value.· Dietary fibre is a substance obtained from plant foods, as distinct from animal foods.· How different does it have to be to count as distinct?· These are more graphical presentations as distinct from verbal listings.· Piaget allows two years for the development of sensorimotor intelligence as distinct from conceptual intelligence.
· An analogy with the film industry, or treatment as an entirely distinct medium requiring its own organization, was inappropriate.· These two areas are not entirely distinct, but it may be useful to examine them separately.
· In fact, the lines of demarcation between the two camps were much less distinct.· The gneisses are coarse grained and show much broader and less distinct foliation.· A second, less distinct ring is visible further out.· The track becomes less distinct and goes into birchwood and a beautiful glen.· There are some signs that the three patterns are becoming less distinct.· However, after 1918 feminist arguments became less and less distinct.
· The picture forming in his mind was clearer, more distinct, though he could scarce believe it.· Financial policy, which deviated increasingly from monetarist orthodoxy, also pursued a more distinct course with Nigel Lawson as Chancellor.· I prefer to toast it for a more distinct flavor.· The murmur of the crowd became more distinct.· Gradually I become aware that one voice is more distinct and more powerful than the rest.· It was now thought that the roles of party and state would be more distinct.· Although the ranges of the two dolphins correspond geographically, the feeding ecology of the two species is more distinct.
· Bukharin's point was that the same methods can not be used to carry through these two quite distinct tasks.· The two galleries have quite distinct personalities.· It arises out of them but is quite distinct.· Similarly, the ideology of socialism in its Marxist-Leninist form is quite distinct from its democratic socialist form.· Even quite distinct groups share the same sorts of patterns.· The atomic weight is a ratio quite distinct from the weight in grams.· These two editions of the scheme are quite distinct.· In one sense consumption and investment are quite distinct.
· The Offices so distinct, yet so conveniently communicating - Charmingly contrived!
· Her straight little black-clothed back looked very distinct and lonely in all that green and blue and sunlight.· Everything became very distinct, in a way I remembered all too well.· As the interviews progressed, a very distinct new picture of Diana surfaced from beneath the highly varnished image.· If male-female separatism characterized the first decade of the new century, it was separatism of a very distinct flavor.· Unlike the U.K., Ontario has the advantage of very distinct seasons.· The sounds down on Boot Quay are very distinct: especially the rustling pods on the trees.· The film is a very distinct dramatic medium.· There are very distinct rudder trim changes as power is brought back and cruise established.
NOUN· This has distinct advantages over using eye drops.· But the mulattoes had one distinct advantage.· The natural projection of the land along the Thames conferred distinct advantages on West Ham as a site for the new docks.· Cities have a distinct advantage over school and special districts.· There were distinct advantages for me in the relationship.· Some designs have distinct advantages and so these should be considered before purchase.· Such an approach has distinct advantages.· For any kind of prolonged activity, warm-bloodedness would have been a distinct advantage.
· Its soils and drainage make it a quite distinct area, described on pages 46 and 47.· Simple division Being able to divide a living/dining room into two distinct areas means you can easily create an intimate setting.
· Revisionist analyses of socio-economic trends in the countryside fall into two distinct categories.· The enemy strategic assets will largely fall into three distinct categories.· These functions fall into two wholly distinct categories.· Not one person identifies fathers as a distinct category.· Advertising structures the newspaper into distinct categories and sections.· The two distinct categories are muddled in a manner that is difficult to separate analytically.· They do not represent four predefined, distinct categories of user.
· The decision as to what to accept as a distinct class is quite arbitrary.· Weights could be modified to cluster similar input patterns into distinct classes.· For the class approach there can be more than two distinct class groups.
· It takes two distinct forms in different species.· There are distinct forms, each with its own beautiful shade of brilliant emerald, sap, and yellowish green.· And we know from micro-fossils that there were already several distinct forms of bacteria-like organisms as long ago as 3000 million years.· Are they distinct forms of the verb or simply variants of a single verb form - the infinitive?· The circle was used, and round churches, though rare, are a distinct form.· In particular the two distinct forms of papillae on the jaw, open tentacle pores and small tentacle scales.· Furthermore, class relations take distinct forms within societies.
· For both approaches, the fundamental feature of society is stratification-the unequal distribution of values across distinct groups.· In the genus Echinodorus there are distinct groups of self-fertile and self-sterile species differing in the leaf petioles.· During Spenser's time Ireland was inhabited by three distinct groups.· The mods eventually split into two distinct groups.· At least three distinct groups want a share of the scarce resource.· Even quite distinct groups share the same sorts of patterns.
· It gave the distinct impression, I noticed, of being Cortina-shaped.· The boy had the distinct impression he was about to meet some one who would welcome his arrival.· She got the distinct impression that Melissa wasn't best pleased to find that Luke had company.· Once again she got the distinct impression that he didn't want to talk about the sculptor.· Melissa had the distinct impression that he held Iris's chair for a fraction longer than her own.· But I got a distinct impression he didn't want me to see what he was writing.· The Alliance failed to make a distinct impression.· The atmosphere in this dark room was oddly disquieting, giving him the distinct impression that he was not alone.
· Dandelions are divided into thousands of distinct kinds, fitted to where they live and blended into an almost continuous series.· The belt contains many distinct kinds of material, each arranged in a ring about the Sun with a preferred average distance.· Clearly, children can not speak at birth, but Chomsky wishes to credit them with two distinct kinds of knowledge.· The justifications of procedures of inquiry are of two distinct kinds.· There is a vast number of these, and they fall into several distinct kinds.
· Without much outright horsepower-a distinct lack of brawn-the Porsche should be driven with brains.· There seems to be a distinct lack of aggression or passion.· There were far fewer flags, a distinct lack of appetite for celebration.
· The new format broke the process down into three distinct phases with different sets of lawmakers handling each.· There are two distinct phases to Ramsay's career, and two accompanying styles.· The Moon moves through three distinct phases.· Good system development goes through two distinct phases.· UDCs have been designated in two distinct phases.· For Bukharin, the transition period encompassed two distinct phases.· Each symbolises a distinct phase in the physical history of Lynn.
· Further revaluations remain a distinct possibility, despite a slight weakening of Sterling.· Diversification was still a distinct possibility, but there seemed to be more enthusiasm for concentrating on the propane market.· And Juliet's theory was growing into a distinct possibility.· He said there is a distinct possibility the Coyotes will use the ice at Veterans Memorial Coliseum this season.· To Gould, though, Lear's enterprise had distinct possibilities.· The Riemann sphere still describes the array of physically distinct possibilities, but now only abstractly.· If it goes on for another 2 weeks, that is a distinct possibility.· And there is a distinct possibility that the tax break might go primarily to people already giving.
· He re-emerged in 1987 and 1991 to fight constitutional proposals to recognise Quebec as a distinct society.
· These large fish are called ferox, a distinct species of brown trout that make their living by eating their smaller brethren.· By the mid-sixteenth century it had emerged as a distinct species of case involving four allegations.
· These are seen as distinct stages of Third World exploitation associated with the growth of industrial capitalism in the west.· The contrast arises because the two tasks reflect distinct stages of visual processing.· It has three distinct stages of processing - bauxite mining, alumina refining and ingot smelting.· Each hair goes through distinct stages of growth.· This analysis produces six distinct stages, as follows.· Those who work with bereaved people see mourning divided into four distinct stages.
· In general it was almost exclusively extreme right-wing elements who were first involved, but they tended to be of two distinct types.· There are ten distinct types of glycogen storage diseases and all of them are rare.· These two distinct types of lens source have always coexisted; it is the balance between they that has changed.· In adults there seem to be two anatomically distinct types of stomach.· In both window tracery and vaulting designs there are, despite many variations, two distinct types of pattern.· Surprisingly, the origin of these two distinct types of stomach is unknown.· The motivational system of a higher organism is complex, comprising several distinct types of mechanism expressed through differing behavioural means.
· Handling Handling may be done in several distinct ways.· There are three distinct ways of identifying an entry.· Oxidation acts as a weathering process in two distinct ways.· New issues of stock are now made in three distinct ways.· However, Blank's categories differ in two distinct ways.· This model in figure 13.8 suggests that being young affects attitudes towards breaking the law in two distinct ways.· Rather, different regions have been affected in distinct ways.· During the period of dominance he identifies three distinct ways through which psychodynamic theories had a major influence on social work.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- Entrepreneurial strategies - as distinct from their managerial implementation - centre on investment, marketing and the form of company organisation.
- I have seldom felt the need to recognise these as distinct from rise-fall and fall-rise respectively.
- I want it to go on because I've just recently begun to enjoy it as distinct from experiencing it.
- Originally, chamber music meant secular music, or that of the court as distinct from that of the Church.
- Piaget allows two years for the development of sensorimotor intelligence as distinct from conceptual intelligence.
- The buffers and draw gear were spring type, as distinct from india rubber as used on some.
- There were increasing demands for a national policy for the unemployed as distinct from central support of local efforts.
- They are a major and fundamental component of the system of the unconscious, as distinct from the conscious and preconscious systems.
WORD FAMILYnoundistinctionadjectivedistinct ≠ indistinctadverbdistinctly ≠ indistinctly
1clearly different or belonging to a different type: two entirely distinct languagesdistinct types/groups/categories etc There are four distinct types.distinct from The learning needs of the two groups are quite distinct from each other.2as distinct from something used to make it clear that you are not referring to a particular kind of thing, but to something else: a movie star, as distinct from an actor3something that is distinct can clearly be seen, heard, smelled etc OPP indistinct: The outline of the ship became more distinct.4[only before noun] a distinct possibility, feeling, quality etc definitely exists and cannot be ignored: I got the distinct impression he was trying to make me angry. There is a distinct possibility that this will eventually be needed. a distinct lack of enthusiasm