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.

Understand the difference between the two words: distinct means “clearly different,” while distinctive means “having a characteristic that makes something easily recognizable or different from others.” Use synonyms to help you remember the difference between the two words.

When used as adjectives, distinct means capable of being perceived very clearly, whereas distinctive means distinguishing, used to or enabling the distinguishing of some thing. Distinctive is also noun with the meaning: a distinctive thing: a quality or property permitting distinguishing.