Distinctive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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distinctive
[dษชหstษชลktษชv ]
Definitions
characteristic feature
Having a quality or characteristic that makes someone or something different from others.
Synonyms
distinguishing, individual, unique.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distinctive |
Use this word when describing something that is easily recognizable due to its specific characteristics or features.
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| unique |
Use this word to describe something that is one of a kind or highly unusual, with no equal or equivalent.
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| individual |
This word is good for emphasizing the personal or unique aspects of someone's identity or characteristics.
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| distinguishing |
This word is suitable for talking about characteristics that help to differentiate one thing from another.
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Examples of usage
- The artist has a distinctive style that sets him apart from his peers.
- Her distinctive laugh could be heard across the room.
recognizable
Easily recognized or identified; standing out as being different.
Synonyms
distinguishing, recognizable, unmistakable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distinctive |
Use when describing something that clearly stands out or identifies a person or thing.
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| recognizable |
Appropriate for something easily recognized or identified, often because it is familiar.
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| unmistakable |
Use to describe something that cannot be mistaken for anything else due to its clear and obvious nature.
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| distinguishing |
This term is best used when identifying unique characteristics that differentiate one thing from another.
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Examples of usage
- The company logo is very distinctive and instantly recognizable.
- The distinctive smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Distinctive fashion choices often set trends; for instance, iconic styles from figures like David Bowie or Madonna have defined eras.
- In film, characters with distinctive traits or appearances, like the Joker from Batman, leave lasting impacts on audiences.
Psychology
- Humans naturally categorize things; distinctive features help us quickly identify and remember items or people.
- Psychological studies suggest that distinctive stimuli capture our attention better than similar items, influencing our memory and decision-making.
Art
- Artists like Vincent Van Gogh are renowned for their distinctive brushwork and color palettes that set them apart from their contemporaries.
- In music, bands like The Beatles and Queen developed distinctive sounds that made them recognizable and influential across generations.
Nature
- Many animals have distinctive markings or calls that help them attract mates or establish territory, such as the peacock's vibrant feathers.
- Plants can also be distinctive; for example, the unique shape of a cactus allows it to survive in arid environments.
Origin of 'distinctive'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'distinctive' comes from the Latin root 'distinctus', meaning 'to separate' or 'set apart'.
- It entered the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting an increasing interest in individuality and uniqueness in society.
The word 'distinctive' has its origins in the Latin word 'distinctivus', which is derived from the verb 'distinguere' meaning 'to separate'. The term first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, initially used to describe something that serves to distinguish or identify. Over time, 'distinctive' has come to signify a quality or feature that sets someone or something apart from others, emphasizing uniqueness and recognizability.
See also: distinct, distinction, distinctively, distinctiveness, distinctly, distinctness, indistinct, indistinctiveness, indistinctly, indistinctness.