distinctive feature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “distinctive feature” mean?
A characteristic that makes something or someone clearly different from others of the same type.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A characteristic that makes something or someone clearly different from others of the same type.
In linguistics, particularly phonology, a property that distinguishes one phoneme from another (e.g., voicing, nasality). More broadly, any element that serves as a key identifier or differentiator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related words follows regional conventions (e.g., 'characterise' vs. 'characterize').
Connotations
Identical. Slightly formal in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and technical writing. Slightly less frequent in casual conversation in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “distinctive feature” in a Sentence
The [noun]'s distinctive feature is [noun phrase/clause].[Noun] is characterised by the distinctive feature of [noun phrase/gerund].A distinctive feature of [noun] is [noun phrase/clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “distinctive feature” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The model is distinguished by several distinctive features.
- They sought to feature the product's most distinctive aspects.
American English
- The software distinguishes itself with several distinctive features.
- We need to feature our most distinctive qualities in the ad campaign.
adverb
British English
- The building was distinctively Victorian in style.
- She was dressed distinctively in all white.
American English
- The sauce is distinctively spicy.
- The brand is distinctively packaged.
adjective
British English
- The bird has a highly distinctive call.
- She wore a distinctive red hat.
American English
- The car has a very distinctive grille.
- He has a distinctive way of walking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The product's distinctive feature is its 24-hour battery life, which sets it apart from competitors."
Academic
"The study aimed to isolate the distinctive features of the newly discovered species."
Everyday
"His most distinctive feature is his incredibly loud, infectious laugh."
Technical
"In phonology, the distinctive feature [+voice] distinguishes /b/ from /p/."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “distinctive feature”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “distinctive feature”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “distinctive feature”
- Using 'distinctive' and 'distinct' interchangeably. 'Distinct' means clear or definite; 'distinctive' means characteristic of one thing, serving to distinguish it.
- Overusing the term in informal contexts where 'standout feature' or 'special thing' might be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'feature' is any notable attribute. A 'distinctive feature' is specifically an attribute that distinguishes the item from others in its category.
Yes, it is most at home in formal, academic, analytical, or technical writing. In casual speech, people might say 'standout feature' or 'thing that makes it different'.
Typically, it is neutral. However, context can make it negative (e.g., 'The virus's distinctive feature is its rapid mutation rate'). The term itself describes differentiation, not quality.
In phonology, it refers to the minimal units of sound that serve to distinguish one phoneme from another (e.g., [±voice], [±nasal]). It's a foundational concept in structuralist and generative linguistics.
A characteristic that makes something or someone clearly different from others of the same type.
Distinctive feature: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv ˈfiːtʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv ˈfiːtʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms. The term itself is technical/descriptive.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISTINCTive feature as a feature that makes you go, 'Ah, that's DISTINCTly different!' It's the stamp of uniqueness.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FEATURE IS A LABEL (a tag that identifies and classifies). A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE IS A KEY (it unlocks identification and differentiation).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'distinctive feature' most correctly?