What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distinct
Example
The distinct smell of freshly baked bread filled the room. [distinct: adjective]
Example
Her voice had a distinct accent that was hard to place. [distinct: adjective]
separate
Example
The two rooms were separated by a wall. [separated: verb]
Example
I keep my work and personal life separate. [separate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separate is more commonly used than distinct in everyday language. Separate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distinct is less common and refers to a specific type of difference or uniqueness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distinct and separate?
Both distinct and separate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but distinct may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing to describe specific characteristics or features.
