adjective
distinctive
dih-STINK-tiv/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/
Having qualities that make someone or something stand out from others.
The umbrella's distinctive red color sets it apart from the gray ones.
Etymology
The root means to mark off or keep separate. A distinctive quality marks something off from similar things, making it recognizably individual.
In context
the distinctive and beautiful sound of the OBO is easy to hear over all the other instruments
More examples
- Fresh ginger gives the soup a distinctive flavor.
- The artist's distinctive style combines bold colors with simple shapes.
- Listen for the bird's distinctive call at sunrise.
Forms
distinctive · more distinctive · most distinctive
distinctively adverb — In a way that stands out.
distinctiveness noun — The quality of standing apart from others.
Similar words
- characteristic
- Emphasizes what is typical rather than what stands out.
- unique
- Means one of a kind, not merely noticeably different.
- unmistakable
- Emphasizes certain recognition rather than the qualities creating it.