1
Core quality
Having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
Example
The species has a distinctive red marking.
distinctive
/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/ · dih-STINK-tivadjective
Having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
Use distinctive to express this relationship precisely: having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
What distinctive Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her distinctive style influenced later designers.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A distinctive feature separates the two traditions.
Use distinctive Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The species has a distinctive red marking.
Her distinctive style influenced later designers.
A distinctive feature separates the two traditions.
Precision Matters
Distinctive overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
distinctive
vs.Means having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
idiosyncratic
Means peculiar or distinctive to an individual.
distinctive
vs.Means having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
conspicuous
Means easily noticed or attracting attention.
distinctive
vs.Means having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
trait
Means a distinguishing quality, feature, or characteristic of a person, organism, or thing.
distinctive
vs.Means having a characteristic that makes something recognisably different from others.
analogous
Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
Test distinctive in Context
The pattern uniquely distinguishes the vessel from others.
1
The vessel's ___ spiral pattern appears nowhere else in the region.