1.
If something is distinct from something else of the same type, it is different or separate from it.
Engineering and technology are disciplines distinct from one another and from science...
This book is divided into two distinct parts.
ADJ: oft ADJ from n
• distinctly
...a banking industry with two distinctly different sectors.
ADV: ADV adj
2.
If something is distinct, you can hear, see, or taste it clearly.
...to impart a distinct flavor with a minimum of cooking fat.
ADJ
• distinctly
I distinctly heard the loudspeaker calling passengers for the Turin-Amsterdam flight.
ADV: ADV with v
3.
If an idea, thought, or intention is distinct, it is clear and definite.
Now that Tony was no longer present, there was a distinct change in her attitude...
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• distinctly
I distinctly remember wishing I had not got involved.
ADV: ADV with v
4.
You can use distinct to emphasize that something is great enough in amount or degree to be noticeable or important.
Being 6ft 3in tall has some distinct disadvantages!
= definite
ADJ: ADJ n [emphasis]
• distinctly
His government is looking distinctly shaky.
ADV: ADV adj/-ed
5.
If you say that you are talking about one thing as distinct from another, you are indicating exactly which thing you mean.
There's a lot of evidence that oily fish, as distinct from fatty meat, has a beneficial effect.
PREP-PHRASE