(often followed by `from') not alike; different in nature or quality
"plants of several distinct types"
"the word `nationalism' is used in at least two distinct senses"
"gold is distinct from iron"
"a tree related to but quite distinct from the European beech"
"management had interests quite distinct from those of their employees"
easy to perceive; especially clearly outlined
"a distinct flavor"
"a distinct odor of turpentine"
"a distinct outline"
"the ship appeared as a distinct silhouette"
"distinct fingerprints"
Capable of being perceived very clearly.
"The sharp peak of the mountain was distinct against the gray clouds."
In plain English: Distinct means clearly different or separate from something else.
"The two brothers have distinct personalities that make them easy to tell apart."
Usage: Use distinct to describe something that stands out sharply or is easily recognized because it differs clearly from its surroundings. It works best when emphasizing a visible boundary or a unique quality rather than simply meaning different.
The word distinct comes from the Latin verb distinguere, which means "to distinguish." It entered English through Middle English and Old French, retaining its original sense of being able to be told apart or discerned.