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Distinct vs Independent - What's the difference?

distinct | independent |

As adjectives the difference between distinct and independent

is that distinct is capable of being perceived very clearly while independent is not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free.

As a noun independent is

a candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a free thinker, free of a party platform.

distinct

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Capable of being perceived very clearly.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Fenella Saunders
  • , title= Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution, resolving incoming images in minute detail.}}
  • Different from one another (with the preferable adposition being "from").
  • * {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne, title=Well Tackled!
  • , chapter=13 citation , passage=“Yes, there are two distinct sets of footprints, both wearing rubber shoes—one I think ordinary plimsolls, the other goloshes,” replied the sergeant.}}
  • Noticeably different from others; distinctive.
  • Separate in place; not conjunct or united; with from .
  • * Clarendon
  • The intention was that the two armies which marched out together should afterward be distinct .
  • (obsolete) Distinguished; having the difference marked; separated by a visible sign; marked out; specified.
  • * Milton
  • Wherever thus created — for no place / Is yet distinct by name.
  • (obsolete) Marked; variegated.
  • * Spenser
  • The which [place] was dight / With divers flowers distinct with rare delight.

    Synonyms

    * prominent * separate * several (in dated sense)

    Antonyms

    * indistinct * (capable of being perceived very clearly) confusing * (different from one another) same

    independent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • not dependent; not contingent or depending on something else; free
  • (politics) not affiliated with any political party
  • Providing a comfortable livelihood.
  • an independent property
  • Not subject to bias or influence; self-directing.
  • a man of an independent mind
  • Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.
  • * R. P. Ward
  • That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement.

    Synonyms

    * autonomous * free * selfstanding

    Antonyms

    * contingent * dependent

    Derived terms

    * independency * independent contractor * independent film * * independently * independent means

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A candidate or voter not affiliated with any political party, a free thinker, free of a party platform.
  • A neutral or uncommitted person.
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