distinctly

Everyday

1. Clearly and easily heard, seen or remembered, as in «speak distinctly». tree →
2. Very definitely, without doubt, as in «I distinctly remember locking the door». tree →
3. Noticeably, quite, as in «It was distinctly cold». tree →

In the lessons

In speaking and drama lessons, teachers ask you to «speak clearly and distinctly». In stories and arguments, «I distinctly remember» shows a character is sure. «Distinctly» can also make a word stronger: «distinctly unhappy».

Examples

• Please speak distinctly so everyone can hear. tree →
• I distinctly remember putting my keys on the table. tree →
• The bell rang distinctly across the playground. tree →
• It was distinctly colder after the sun went down. tree →
• The two twins have distinctly different voices. tree →
• She looked distinctly annoyed. tree →
• And inside it he distinctly heard a tiny voice say: “Bow-wow!” tree →

Note

From «distinct» (clear, separate). Do not confuse with «distinctively» (in a special way that makes something stand out).

In Jewish tradition

It means clearly. Here the Levites read the Torah aloud so that people could follow it.

Interpretation. The tradition sees this scene as the root of translating and explaining the Torah to the public, with Ezra and the Levites making the text understood.

Examples

• And they read in the book, in the Law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. (Writings NEH.8.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From «distinct» (clear, separate). Do not confuse with «distinctively» (in a special way that makes something stand out).