I use the latter most of the time, but I am unsure where the former is more appropriate. What are the different uses of "distinctly" vs "distinctively"?
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1 Answer
The difference in meaning is as follows:
"Distinctly" means:
- in a distinct manner; clearly:
Speak more distinctly.- without doubt; unmistakably.
"Distinctively" means:
In a distinctive manner; in a way that is notable for its difference.
What does "distinctive" mean? It means:
- that serves to distinguish between things
- that is characteristic or typical of something
Thus, "distinctively" is used when someone said something "in a special way" for a special effect, such as distinguishment, while "distinctly" is clearly, or unmistakably.
Someone who said:
He spoke distinctly/means he spoke clearly
He spoke distinctively/He spoke in a manner that was notable for its difference/in a manner so that he can distinguish something he is saying.
Scott - Слава Україні
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answered Aug 12, 2011 at 11:55
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Few links to garnish your answer: en.wikiquote.org/w/… , en.wikiquote.org/w/… , ngrams.googlelabs.com/…– UnreasonCommented Aug 12, 2011 at 12:25