Dictionary
distinctive
adjective dis·tinc·tive \di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv\
: having a quality or characteristic that makes a person or thing different from others : different in a way that is easy to notice
: appealing or interesting because of an unusual quality or characteristic
Full Definition of DISTINCTIVE
1
a : serving to distinguish <the distinctive flight of the crane> b : having or giving style or distinction <a distinctive table setting>
2
: capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
— dis·tinc·tive·ly adverb
— dis·tinc·tive·ness noun
See distinctive defined for English-language learners
See distinctive defined for kids
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First Known Use of DISTINCTIVE
15th century
Related to DISTINCTIVE
- Synonyms
- disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, different, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike
Synonym Discussion of DISTINCTIVE
characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.
DISTINCTIVE Defined for Kids
distinctive
adjective dis·tinc·tive \di-ˈstiŋk-tiv\
Definition of DISTINCTIVE for Kids
1
: clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others <As they got closer he … could hear Mr. Sir's distinctive bark. — Louis Sachar, Holes>
2
: having or giving a special look or way <distinctive clothes>
— dis·tinc·tive·ly adverb
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