distinctive
UK[dɪˈstɪŋktɪv]US[dɪˈstɪŋktɪv]
adj
having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed
adj
typical of a person or thing, and therefore easy to recognize
Morpheme Breakdown
distinct
ive
distinct
ive
having the nature or quality of
Etymology
the word 'distinctive' is built upon the latin past participle distinctus, from the verb distinguere, meaning 'to separate, mark off, distinguish'. this verb itself is composed of dis- (apart) and stinguere (to prick, extinguish), suggesting the act of creating a separation by marking. the suffix -ivus was added to form a latin adjective, which entered english via old french. the modern meaning evolved from the literal sense of 'being set apart' to the more abstract sense of 'having qualities that serve to distinguish and identify'.
Analysis
Structure: distinct + ive
distinct (from latin distinctus, meaning 'separated, distinguished', functioning as the core root) + ive (from latin -ivus, an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the nature or quality of')
Examples
the bird has a distinctive black and white pattern on its wings.
she has a very distinctive laugh that you can hear across the room.
the company's products have a distinctive design that sets them apart from competitors.