Etymology Map
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Distinct

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means recognizably different

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

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

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.