distinct

Where does the word "distinct" come from? It comes from Latin distinctus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Distinct’s story begins in Latin: distinctus meant “separated.” Past participle of 'distinguere', to separate. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as distinct. From Latin 'distinguere', to mark off or keep separate; English had it by the late 1300s. It reached English by 1300s as distinct. 'distinctive' followed. Today, distinct means recognizably different.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient distinctus "separated", past participle of 'distinguere', to separate.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval distinct "distinct", from Latin 'distinguere', to mark off or keep separate; English had it by the late 1300s.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s distinct "separate", 'distinctive' followed.