distinctive

Everyday

Easy to recognise because it is different from others; special to one person or thing. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, animals and plants are identified by distinctive features: a zebra's stripes, a robin's red breast. In stories a distinctive voice, smell or laugh helps the reader recognise a character. Phrases: «a distinctive smell», «distinctive features», «a distinctive voice», «distinctive markings».

Examples

• The zebra has distinctive black and white stripes. tree →
• Grandad has a very distinctive laugh. tree →
• The robin is easy to spot with its distinctive red breast. tree →
• The house had a distinctive blue door. tree →
• Garlic has a distinctive smell. tree →
• Each fingerprint has a distinctive pattern. tree →
• It is necessary to keep clearly in view the distinctive difference between the three great earth-goddesses Gaea, Rhea, and Demeter. tree →

Note

Do not confuse with «distinct» (clearly separate or clear: «a distinct shape», «two distinct groups»). «Distinctive» means special and recognisable. Noun: «distinctiveness».