Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “distinctively” come from?

Distinctively comes from English distinctive, from Latin distinctus (separated), from Latin distinguere (to separate), from Latin dis- (apart) and an unattested root meaning to mark or prick.

distinctively (English): In a distinctive manner; in a way that is notable...

Definitions

  1. In a distinctive manner; in a way that is notable...

Ancestry of “distinctively”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishdistinctiveDistinguishing, used to or enabling the...
2Latindistinctusdistinct, separate; definite, lucid
3LatindistinguoI distinguish, separate, divide or part; I adorn...
4Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
5Latincalceusshoe
6Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
7Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble
Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ →