distinction

[ dih-stingk-shuhn ]

noun

1. a marking off or distinguishing as different:

   His distinction of sounds is excellent.

2. the recognizing or noting of differences; discrimination:

   to make a distinction between right and wrong.

3. a discrimination made between things as different; special regard or favoritism:

   Death comes to all without distinction.

4. condition of being different; difference:

   There is a distinction between what he says and what he does.

   Antonyms: resemblance

5. a distinguishing quality or characteristic:

   It has the distinction of being the oldest house in the town.

6. a distinguishing or treating with special honor, attention, or favor.
7. an act of bestowing, or a mark of, honor or favor.
8. marked superiority; note; eminence.

   Synonyms: importance, renown

9. distinguished distinguished appearance.
10. Obsolete. division; separation.

distinction

/ dɪˈstɪŋkʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of distinguishing or differentiating
2. a distinguishing feature
3. the state of being different or distinguishable
4. special honour, recognition, or fame
5. excellence of character; distinctive qualities

   a man of distinction

6. distinguished appearance
7. a symbol of honour or rank

Other Words From

• dis·tinction·less adjective
• subdis·tinction noun
• under·dis·tinction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinction¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English distinccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin distinctiōn-, stem of distinctiō “difference”; equivalent to distinct + -ion

Synonym Study

Distinction and difference may both refer to perceivable dissimilarities and, in this meaning, may be used interchangeably: There is a distinction ( difference ) between the two. Distinction, however, usually suggests the perception of dissimilarity, as the result of analysis and discrimination: a carefully made distinction between two treatments of the same theme; whereas difference refers only to the condition of being dissimilar: the difference between Gothic and Roman architecture. “A distinction without a difference” is a way of referring to an artificial or false discrimination. See honor.

Example Sentences

A distinction* is worth 168 Ucas points - the same as three A*s at A-level - and a merit is equivalent to three Bs at A-level.

From BBC

Students get one of four grades, ranging from a pass to a distinction*.

From BBC

Both, however, have been ardent supporters and defenders of Trump; Stefanik enjoys the special distinction of rising to become chair of the House Republican Conference after Rep. Liz Cheney was ousted for criticizing Trump over the Jan. 6 riots.

From Slate

Matter is quantum as we know, and if matter comes from the spacetime metric then, what happens to the observed distinction between quantum and classical correlations - for example quantum probabilities interfere, classical do not.”

From Salon

“Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between ‘to-go’ and ‘for-here’ service.

From Salon

Related Words

• characteristic
• contrast
• difference
• differentiation
• discrepancy
• discrimination
• divergence
• division
• judgment
• nicety
• perception
• quality
• sensitivity
• separation