n. 1. The quality or state of being distinct; a separation or difference that prevents confusion of parts or things. [ 1913 Webster ]

The soul's . . . distinctness from the body. Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Nice discrimination; hence, clearness; precision; as, he stated his arguments with great distinctness.

Syn. -- Plainness; clearness; precision; perspicuity. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. distinctus, p. p. of distinguere: cf. F. distinct. See Distinguish. ] 1. Distinguished; having the difference marked; separated by a visible sign; marked out; specified. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Wherever thus created -- for no place
Is yet distinct by name. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Marked; variegated. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The which [ place ] was dight
With divers flowers distinct with rare delight. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Separate in place; not conjunct; not united by growth or otherwise; -- with from. [ 1913 Webster ]

The intention was that the two armies which marched out together should afterward be distinct. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Not identical; different; individual. [ 1913 Webster ]

To offend, and judge, are distinct offices. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. So separated as not to be confounded with any other thing; not liable to be misunderstood; not confused; well-defined; clear; as, we have a distinct or indistinct view of a prospect. [ 1913 Webster ]

Relation more particular and distinct. Milton.

Syn. -- Separate; unconnected; disjoined; different; clear; plain; conspicuous; obvious. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To distinguish. [ Obs. ] Rom. of R. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. distinctio: cf. F. distinction. ] 1. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination. [ 1913 Webster ]

To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good. [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance. [ 1913 Webster ]

Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction. [ 1913 Webster ]

Your country's own means of distinction and defense. D. Webster.

Syn. -- Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. distinctif. ] 1. Marking or expressing distinction or difference; distinguishing; characteristic; peculiar. [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinctive character and institutions of New England. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Having the power to distinguish and discern; discriminating. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With distinction; plainly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. State of being distinctive. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. With distinctness; not confusedly; without the blending of one part or thing another; clearly; plainly; as, to see distinctly. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. With meaning; significantly. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou dost snore distinctly;
There's meaning in thy snores. Shak.

Syn. -- Separately; clearly; plainly; obviously. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Distinctness. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]