distinct
DISTINCT, a. L. See Distinguish.
1. Literally, having the difference marked; separated by a visible sign, or by a note or mark; as a place distinct by name.
2. Different; separate; not the same in number or kind; as, he holds tow distinct offices; he is known by distinct titles.
3. Separate in place; not conjunct; as, the two regiments marched together, but had distinct encampments.
4. So separated as not to be confounded with any other thing; clear; not confused. To reason correctly we must have distinct ideas. We have a distinct or indistinct view of a prospect.
5. Spotted; variegated.
Tempestuous fell his arrows from the fourfold-visagd four, distinct with eyes.
DISTINCT, v.t. To distinguish. Not in use.
distinction
DISTINCTION, n. L.
1. The act of separating or distinguishing.
2. A note or mark of difference. Seldom used.
3. Difference made; a separation or disagreement in kind or qualities, by which one thing is known from another. We observe a distinction between matter and spirit; a distinction between matter and spirit; a distinction between the animal and vegetable kingdoms; a distinction between good and evil, right and wrong; between sound reasoning and sophistry.
4. Difference regarded; separation; preference; as in the phrase, without distinction, which denotes promiscuously, all together, alike.
Maids, women, wives, without distinction fall.
5. Separation; division; as the distinction of tragedy into acts.
In this sense, division would be preferable.
6. Notation of difference; discrimination; as a distinction between real and apparent good.
In classing the qualities of actions, it is necessary to make accurate distinctions.
7. Eminence; superiority; elevation of rank in society, or elevation of character; honorable estimation. Men who hold a high rank by birth or office, and men who are eminent fro their talents, services or worth, are called men of distinction, as being raised above others by positive institutions or by reputation. So we say, a man of note.
8. That which confers eminence or superiority; office, rank or public favor.
9. Discernment; judgment.
distinctive
DISTINCTIVE, a.
1. That marks distinction or difference; as distinctive names or titles.
2. Having the power to distinguish and discern. Less proper.
distinctively
DISTINCTIVELY, adv. With distinction; plainly.
distinctness
DISTINCTNESS, n.
1. The quality or state of being distinct; a separation or difference that prevents confusion of parts or things; as the distinctness of two ideas, or of distant objects.
2. Nice discrimination; whence, clearness; precision; as, he stated his arguments with great distinctness.