Distinctness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distinctness

[dษชหˆstษชล‹(k)t.nษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of similarity

Distinctness refers to the quality of being different or unique, standing out from others due to its individual characteristics or features. It is the state of not being similar or alike in any way.

Synonyms

diversity, individuality, uniqueness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distinctness

Used when referring to the quality of being different or easily distinguishable from others; often used in a neutral or technical context.

  • The distinctness of the sounds made it easy to identify the different instruments in the orchestra
uniqueness

Refers to the quality of being one of a kind; often used in a positive context to highlight something special or irreplaceable.

  • The uniqueness of the painting makes it highly valuable
  • Each culture has its own uniqueness that deserves to be celebrated
individuality

Used when emphasizing the unique traits or characteristics that distinguish one person from another; often used in positive contexts to highlight personal uniqueness.

  • She always dresses in a way that expresses her individuality
  • The teacher encouraged students to embrace their individuality
diversity

Often used in social, cultural, or ecological contexts to describe the presence of a variety of different elements or groups.

  • The university prides itself on the diversity of its student body
  • Environmentalists are concerned about the loss of biodiversity in the rainforest

Examples of usage

  • The distinctness of her voice made her easily recognizable in a crowd.
  • The distinctness of the patterns on the fabric set it apart from the rest.
Context #2 | Noun

clarity

Distinctness can also refer to the clarity or sharpness of something, especially when it comes to perception or understanding. It indicates the degree to which something is clearly defined or perceivable.

Synonyms

clarity, clearness, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distinctness

Use this word when you want to emphasize the quality of being easily distinguishable from other things.

  • The distinctness of her voice made it easy to identify her in the crowded room
clarity

This word is suitable for discussing how easy something is to understand, see, or hear.

  • The clarity of his explanation made the concept understandable for everyone
sharpness

This term is appropriate when referring to the quality of being sharp in terms of vision, sound, or even intellect. It can also have a negative connotation if referring to harshness.

  • The sharpness of the photograph allowed us to see every detail
  • / Her sharpness in tone suggested she was angry
clearness

Clearness can refer to how easily something is seen, understood, or heard. It is often used in both visual and metaphorical contexts.

  • The clearness of the water allowed us to see the fish swimming underneath the surface

Examples of usage

  • The distinctness of the image on the screen allowed every detail to be seen clearly.
  • The distinctness of his explanation made the concept easy to grasp.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perceive distinct visuals more easily, which can impact how we remember information.
  • Distinctness in personality traits can lead to a stronger self-identity and better social interactions.
  • Research shows that distinct features within a group help individuals form unique impressions and deepen understanding.

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, distinctness is crucial; artists use contrasting colors and shapes to draw attention and convey messages.
  • Graphic design principles often emphasize distinctness to enhance communication and make advertisements more effective.
  • The distinctness of styles in different art movements makes it easier for viewers to appreciate and categorize them.

Linguistics

  • In language, distinct phonemes can change the meaning of words, showcasing how clear differences are essential for communication.
  • Distinctness in accents and dialects enriches a language, reflecting cultural diversity.
  • The ability to recognize subtle differences in language proficiency can greatly influence learning and teaching methods.

Cultural Studies

  • Distinct cultural practices often shape national identities and offer unique perspectives on global issues.
  • Cultural distinctness can promote pride and cohesion within communities while encouraging tolerance towards diversity.
  • Media representations often highlight distinct cultural traits, influencing public perceptions and fostering appreciation.

Origin of 'distinctness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin 'distinctus', meaning 'separated' or 'divided'.
  • It evolved in the Middle English period, emerging in the 14th century to describe clear differences.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include both physical characteristics and abstract concepts.

The word 'distinctness' originated from the Latin word 'distinctus', which means 'separated' or 'distinct'. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century to denote the quality of being different or unique. Over time, its usage has expanded to include the idea of clarity and sharpness in various contexts.


See also: distinct, distinction, distinctive, distinctively, distinctiveness, distinctly, indistinct, indistinctiveness, indistinctly, indistinctness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,758, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.