Distinct means "different in a way that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc." or "noticeably different." Different means "not of the same kind" or "partly or totally unlike."

Both words are adjectives that mean something is different, but they are not used in the same ways. Distinct usually means “noticeably different” or “separate.” Distinct is used when you want to say that something is obviously separate or different from other things. It is often used when talking about more than one thing.

Distinct suggests different identity, although the things might be similar in other ways. It stresses that the two qualities are not the same although they might have similarities. Different is opposite of alike and thus it applies to things that are not alike. It stresses on individuality.

Distinct and distinctive are likely confused most often. Distinct means easily separable or discrete, but distinctive is used to describe a unique feature or quality belonging to one person or thing. Often, distinct is used to describe two or more items or groups. Distinctive qualities are what help make people or things distinct.

The difference between Different and Distinct When used as adjectives, different means not the same, whereas distinct means capable of being perceived very clearly. Different is also noun with the meaning: the different ideal.