How to pronounce distinct
Say it like dih-STINGKT. Distinct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STINGKT).
- dih
- STINGKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Distinct pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STINGKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of distinct
American and British speakers say distinct in essentially the same way: /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ in the US and /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-STINGKT.
What does distinct mean?
- Capable of being perceived very clearly.“Her voice was distinct despite the heavy traffic.”
- Different from one another (with the preferable adposition being "from").“Horses are distinct from zebras.”
- Noticeably different from others; distinctive.“Olga's voice is quite distinct because of her accent.”
Where does distinct come from?
From Middle English distincte, past participle of distincten (“to distinguish, discern”), from Old French destincter, from Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere (“to distinguish”); see distinguish.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with distinct
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of distinct.
Questions about saying distinct
How do you pronounce distinct?
Say dih-STINGKT. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈstɪŋkt/. In British English it is /dɪˈstɪŋkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in distinct?
Distinct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STINGKT). Broken into parts: dih · STINGKT.
Do Americans and Brits say distinct the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ and the British form is /dɪˈstɪŋkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.