C1adjective2K

Distinctive

UK /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/US /["/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/"]/

Definition

having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed

In simple words: Something that is unique or different from others.

Examples

  • clothes with a distinctive style
  • The male bird has distinctive white markings on its head.
  • Each district of the city has its own distinctive character.
  • Good diagrams are the book's most distinctive feature.
  • She heard the distinctive sounds of a Siamese cat.
  • The car was silver with distinctive red stripes.
  • The herb has a strong, distinctive, celery-like flavour.
  • The kidnapper had a fairly distinctive voice with a Scottish accent.
  • There was nothing distinctive about the envelope in which the letter came.

Usage notes

Use 'distinctive' to describe features that make someone or something stand out. It works well in both spoken and written English, particularly in descriptive contexts. Avoid using it informally.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'distinctive' like 'distinctive music' — it has its own special sound.

Collocations

  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • characteristic

Antonyms

  • ordinary
  • common
  • mundane

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'distinct' — 'distinctive' describes features that stand out, while 'distinct' means separate.
  • Using 'distinctive' inappropriately with non-visual contexts, like emotions or abstract ideas.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'dis-tinct-ive' instead of 'dis-tin-ctive'.