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

Moreover, “it is the district’s responsibility to prepare students to be able to make distinctions between news and opinion in an increasingly fractured information environment rife with misinformation, polarization and questionable sources.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

Individual military commanders are granted discretion on these distinctions, placing the determination of honor or shame in their hands.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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