Distinct-Distinctive | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Distinct vs. Distinctive

Distinct

/dɪˈstɪŋkt/
Clearly seen or understood; something that is different and unmistakable

Examples:

He made the last statement in a tone of distinct regret.Two distinct knocks, sir, will produce the slavey at any time.Dr. Savaronoff was a distinct personality.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Distinctive

/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/
Having a quality or characteristic that makes something different from others

Examples:

But the analogy ignored the neutron's distinctive neutrality.There was nothing distinctive about the pictures.Her laughter had a distinctive, infectious quality.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Distinct means clearly different and separate, whereas distinctive refers to something that stands out due to unique qualities.
  • Remember distinct is like distinct categories - separated and different.
  • Think distinctive for distinctive features, which means unique attributes that make something stand out.
  • Something that is distinct is separate from others, while something distinctive has qualities that distinguish it.
  • Distinct items don't necessarily share common traits, but distinctive characteristics are unique identifiers.
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