What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discriminative
Example
The discriminative power of the microscope allowed us to see the smallest details. [discriminative: adjective]
Example
The teacher used a discriminative approach to evaluate the students' essays. [discriminative: adjective]
distinctive
Example
The distinctive aroma of the coffee made it stand out from the other brands. [distinctive: adjective]
Example
Her distinctive voice made her a popular singer. [distinctive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinctive is more commonly used than discriminative in everyday language. Distinctive is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of qualities or features, while discriminative is more specialized and often used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discriminative and distinctive?
Discriminative is generally considered more formal than distinctive. It is often used in technical or academic writing, while distinctive can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
