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
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of DISTINCTIVE

15th century

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

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: distinctive insigniaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: distinctionlessAll Words Near: distinctive
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears