Basic Details
Word: Distinctly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Clearly, in a way that is easy to see, hear, feel or notice.
Synonyms: clearly, plainly, definitely, noticeably
Antonyms: vaguely, faintly, indistinctly
How to Spell Distinctly
Syllables: dis - tinct - ly
Tricky part: Both the c and the t of distinct come before ly. Students often drop the t and write distincly.
Watch out for: distincly, distinctely, distinkly
Memory tip: Say it slowly, dis-tinct-ly, and you will hear the ct just before ly, as in exactly and perfectly.
Usage Examples
Example 1: I could distinctly hear the temple bells from our terrace.
Example 2: The room smelled distinctly of fresh paint.
Example 3: Speak distinctly into the microphone so that the back row can hear you.
Fun Fact
Distinct and distinctive are easily confused: a distinct smell is one you notice clearly, while a distinctive smell belongs to one thing, such as jasmine.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word distinctly as used in the sentence:
I distinctly remember locking the gate before we left for the station.
a) vaguely
b) plainly
c) clearly
d) certainly
Show answer
a) vaguely. If you remember something vaguely, the memory is unclear, which is the opposite here.
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
disti_c_ly
a) n, t
b) n, k
c) m, t
d) n, d
Show answer
a) n, t. Distinct ends in nct, so the gaps take the n and the t.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt wrongly. Choose its meaning:
1. ambiguously 2. audibly 3. reluctantly 4. distinctely
a) in a way with more than one meaning
b) loudly enough to be heard
c) without wanting to
d) clearly and easily noticed
Show answer
d) clearly and easily noticed. Reluctantly, audibly and ambiguously are correct; the misspelt word has slipped in an e that distinct never had.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A distinctly cooler evening is one that is ____.
a) slightly warmer
b) hard to describe
c) exactly the same
d) noticeably cooler
Show answer
d) noticeably cooler
2. To speak distinctly is to speak ____.
a) in a foreign language
b) in a very low voice
c) as fast as you can
d) so every word is clear
Show answer
d) so every word is clear
