What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discrete
Example
The company's revenue was broken down into discrete categories for analysis. [discrete: adjective]
Example
The teacher divided the class into discrete groups for the project. [discrete: adjective]
distinct
Example
The two species of birds had distinct markings that set them apart. [distinct: adjective]
Example
Her voice had a distinct accent that revealed her country of origin. [distinct: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinct is more commonly used than discrete in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage. Discrete is less common and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discrete and distinct?
Discrete is often associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while distinct is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
