striking / distinctive
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striking
Noticeable, pronounced, and memorable. It is often used to describe facial features, a voice, or a personality.
Der Schauspieler ist für seine markante Nase und seine tiefe Stimme bekannt.
The actor is known for his striking nose and his deep voice.
distinctive
Clearly recognizable and serving as a point of orientation. It can refer to features in a landscape or to important points in a text.
Der markanteste Punkt auf der Wanderung war der alleinstehende Felsen auf dem Gipfel.
The most distinctive point on the hike was the isolated rock on the summit.
The adjective 'markant' (striking/distinctive) is related to the German verb 'markieren' (to mark). Something 'Markantes' (striking/distinctive) is so noticeable that it is as if it had been specially marked or 'markiert' (marked).
Er hat eine sehr markante Art zu sprechen, die man sofort wiedererkennt.
He has a very distinctive way of speaking that you recognize immediately.
To describe people, 'markant' (striking) is often combined with parts of the face or qualities of the voice: 'markante Gesichtszüge' (striking facial features), 'ein markantes Kinn' (a striking chin), or 'eine markante Stimme' (a striking voice).
Sie erkannte ihn sofort an seinem markanten Profil.
She recognized him immediately by his striking profile.
When it comes to places or orientation, 'markant' (distinctive) often describes noticeable points in a landscape or a building: 'ein markanter Baum' (a distinctive tree), 'ein markantes Gebäude' (a distinctive building), or 'ein markanter Punkt' (a distinctive point).
Der Treffpunkt ist vor dem markanten Turm am Ende der Straße.
The meeting point is in front of the distinctive tower at the end of the street.
noticeable / striking
Auffällig and markant both describe a feature that immediately stands out. Auffällig mainly emphasizes the attention it attracts, sometimes because of an unusual deviation. Markant, by contrast, emphasizes a clearly pronounced, characteristic, and memorable form, for example in facial features.
Auf dem Porträt wirkt seine klar geformte Nase markant.
In the portrait, his well-defined nose looks distinctive.
Auf dem Porträt wirkt seine ungewöhnlich große Nase auffällig.
In the portrait, his unusually large nose looks striking.
