Distinctive: meaning, definitions and examples

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distinctive

 

[dษชหˆstษชล‹ktษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

characteristic feature

Having a quality or characteristic that makes someone or something different from others.

Synonyms

distinguishing, individual, unique.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distinctive

Use this word when describing something that is easily recognizable due to its specific characteristics or features.

  • Her distinctive laugh could be heard from across the room
  • The building has a distinctive style that sets it apart from the others
unique

Use this word to describe something that is one of a kind or highly unusual, with no equal or equivalent.

  • Her viewpoint on the matter is completely unique
  • Each snowflake is unique in its design
individual

This word is good for emphasizing the personal or unique aspects of someone's identity or characteristics.

  • Each student has their own individual learning style
  • The artist's work is very individual, with a personal touch
distinguishing

This word is suitable for talking about characteristics that help to differentiate one thing from another.

  • The distinguishing feature of this bird is its bright red plumage
  • His distinguishing traits are his kindness and patience

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

recognizable

Easily recognized or identified; standing out as being different.

Synonyms

distinguishing, recognizable, unmistakable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distinctive

Use when describing something that clearly stands out or identifies a person or thing.

  • Her distinctive laugh made it easy to find her in a crowd.
  • The restaurant is known for its distinctive dishes.
recognizable

Appropriate for something easily recognized or identified, often because it is familiar.

  • The iconic logo is easily recognizable worldwide.
  • His voice is very recognizable from the radio shows.
unmistakable

Use to describe something that cannot be mistaken for anything else due to its clear and obvious nature.

  • The unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee filled the room.
  • Her sense of style is unmistakable and unique.
distinguishing

This term is best used when identifying unique characteristics that differentiate one thing from another.

  • The distinguishing feature of the brand is its eco-friendly packaging.
  • The scientist noted the distinguishing marks of the specimen.

Examples of usage

  • The company logo is very distinctive and instantly recognizable.
  • The distinctive smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "distinctive" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น distintivo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคถเคฟเคทเฅเคŸ (Vishisht)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unverwechselbar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ khas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธั€ะฐะทะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ charakterystyczny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็‹ฌ็‰น (Dokutoku)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท distinctif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ distintivo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท belirgin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋…ํŠนํ•œ (Dokteukan)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู…ูŠุฒ (Mumayaz)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vรฝraznรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vรฝraznรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‹ฌ็‰น็š„ (Dรบtรจ de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ znaฤilen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ einkennandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตั€ะตะบัˆะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒฉแƒ”แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜ (Gamorchโ€™euli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fษ™rqlษ™ndirici

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ distintivo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,569, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.