Distinct: Involves a nominal definition, which is a (mere) enumeration of marks “sufficient enough to distinguish the thing from similar things.” Examples: number, magnitude, figure; hope, fear. Distinct knowledge is also had of simples. Marks in the nominal definition need only be clear.

Knowledge of a being is distinct when I can provide a nominal definition—i.e., an enumeration (a content knowledge) of marks that is “sufficient to distinguish the thing from other similar things.” For Leibniz, we have distinct knowledge of “number, magnitude, and figure”—which are innate ideas of the pure understanding [MFL 61]. Also, of “affects such as hope and fear.” Distinct knowledge is had of both (a) that which has a nominal definition (enumeration of sufficient marks); and (b) simples.