distinctes

Distinctes is the feminine plural form of the French adjective distinct. It expresses that something is different from something else or clearly separated in some respect. The word derives from Latin distinctus, through Old French, and shares the same core sense as the masculine form distinct.

In use, distinctes agrees with feminine plural nouns and is typically placed after the noun it modifies, as in des opinions distinctes, des idées distinctes, or des propositions distinctes. These phrases convey qualitative differences or clear separations between items. The form contrasts with the masculine plural distincts and with the feminine singular distincte, reflecting standard gender and number agreement in French grammar.

Etymology and relatives: distinctes comes from Latin distinctus. Cognate forms appear in other Romance languages, such as distintas in Spanish, distinte in Italian, and distintas in Portuguese, all carrying related meanings of separation or difference.

Notes: While the term is common in general French, it is less likely to be found in specialized technical jargon beyond the usual adjectival usage for distinguishing or differentiating items. In contexts discussing mathematics or logic, speakers typically use distincts to describe masculine plural nouns like éléments distincts, with the feminine plural form appearing when the subject is feminine.