distinta

Distinta is an Italian adjective and the feminine singular form of distinto. It is used to indicate that two or more things are separate, different, or non-overlapping. The masculine singular form is distinto, and the plural forms are distinti (masculine) and distinte (feminine).

Etymology and related terms: Distinta derives from Latin distinctus, past participle of distinguere, meaning to separate or to set apart. The word shares a family with related Italian terms such as distinzione (distinction), distinto (distinct) and distinguere (to distinguish).

Grammar and usage: In standard Italian, distinta agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Examples include: due distinte categorie (two distinct categories), una causa distinta (a distinct/clear case), identità distinte (distinct identities). The term is common in formal, technical, and legal writing, as well as in academic prose, where precision about separation or non-coincidence is needed.

Cross-language notes: In Spanish, distinta is the feminine singular form of distinto, meaning different or distinct, and is used in similar ways (una opinión distinta, categorías distintas). While related, usage and inflection follow the norms of each language.

See also: Distinzione, distinto, distinguere. These related terms cover the broader semantic field of difference, distinction, and separation in Italian and other Romance languages.