What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distinctive
Example
The distinctive aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room. [distinctive: adjective]
Example
Her voice had a distinctive quality that made it stand out from others. [distinctive: noun]
characteristic
Example
One characteristic of a good leader is the ability to communicate effectively. [characteristic: noun]
Example
The characteristic sound of a violin is produced by the vibration of its strings. [characteristic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Characteristic is more commonly used than distinctive in everyday language. Characteristic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distinctive is less common and refers to a specific quality or feature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distinctive and characteristic?
Both distinctive and characteristic can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, distinctive may be more appropriate for creative or artistic contexts, while characteristic may be more suitable for technical or scientific contexts.
