DISTINCT

Distinct is an adjective used to denote something that is clearly different or separate from something else. It implies a perceptible difference in kind or identity rather than mere variation. The term is often used to indicate that two or more things are not the same and can be distinguished on specific features, categories, or qualities. For example, one might refer to distinct cultures, distinct ideas, or distinct steps in a process.

In mathematics, the concept of distinct elements refers to elements that are not equal to one another. In a set, all elements are distinct by definition, meaning no two elements are identical. When counting or forming lists, identifying distinct values is essential to avoid double-counting and to determine the size of a set or the number of unique observations.

In computing and databases, the term appears in programming language constructs and query operations. For instance, SQL uses a DISTINCT keyword to return only unique rows in a query result, eliminating duplicates. This is commonly used when listing unique values from a column, such as distinct customer IDs or distinct product categories.

Etymology traces distinct to Latin distinctus, involving the idea of separating or setting apart. Related terms include distinction, discrete, and distinctive, which share the sense of separation or a noticeable quality that sets something apart.

See also: distinction, discrete, distinctive, differentiation.