DISTINCT vs DISTINCTIVE: simple spelling tips to remember the difference

The words DISTINCT and DISTINCTIVE are often confused because they’re so similar – but their meanings are different. Read on to learn the difference between these similar words.

Here are my simple tips to remember the difference between DISTINCT and DISTINCTIVE.

When to use DISTINCT

DISTINCT is an adjective meaning separate, or clearly different from another thing.

You can use DISTINCT in a sentence like this:

“There’s a DISTINCT difference between apples and oranges.”

OR

“The awards cover many DISTINCT categories of filmmaking.”

When to use DISTINCTIVE

DISTINCTIVE is an adjective referring to a prominent identifying feature.

You can use DISTINCTIVE in a sentence like this:

“I’d recognise her DISTINCTIVE accent anywhere.”

OR

“Monet’s paintings have a DISTINCTIVE style.”

This sentence shows the difference between DISTINCT and DISTINCTIVE in use:

“The DISTINCTIVE red breast of the robin makes it clearly DISTINCT from other small birds.”

I hope these tips help you remember the difference between DISTINCT and DISTINCTIVE in future!

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