'distinctive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distinctivus,' where 'distinct-' meant 'distinguished' and '-ivus' was a suffix forming adjectives.

'distinctivus' transformed into the French word 'distinctif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distinctive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'distinguished or marked,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a quality that makes something different and easily noticed.'