The Spanish word 'distinto' (meaning 'distinct' or 'different') comes from the Latin word 'distinctus', meaning 'distinguished' or 'separate'. This Latin word was derived from 'distinguere', meaning 'to separate or distinguish', which was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart' or 'away') and the verb 'stinguere' (meaning 'to prick' or 'extinguish'). The combination of these elements created a word that literally meant 'to separate by pricking' or 'to set apart', which evolved into the modern meaning of distinguishing or differentiating between things.

Some related Spanish words include 'distinguir' (to distinguish), 'distintivo' (distinctive), and 'distinción' (distinction). All these words share the same Latin root 'distinguere' and maintain related meanings around the concept of differentiation or setting things apart.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'distinct', 'distinguish', 'distinctive', and 'distinction'. These English words come from the same Latin source as the Spanish 'distinto'. The parallel evolution of these words in both languages explains why they look and mean almost the same thing in English and Spanish.