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distinction - 4 dictionary results
dis⋅tinc⋅tion
[di-stingk-shuh
n] 
–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. |
| 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. |
| 9. | distinguished appearance. |
| 10. | Obsolete. division; separation. |
Origin:
1175–1225; ME distinccioun (< AF) < L distinctiōn- (s. of distinctiō), equiv. to distinct(us) (see distinct ) + -iōn- -ion
1175–1225; ME distinccioun (< AF) < L distinctiōn- (s. of distinctiō), equiv. to distinct(us) (see distinct ) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms:
dis⋅tinc⋅tion⋅less, adjective
Synonyms:
3. 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. 7. See honor. 8. renown, importance.
3. 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. 7. See honor. 8. renown, importance.
Antonyms:
4. resemblance.
4. resemblance.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To distinction
| dis·tinc·tion (dĭ-stĭngk'shən) n.
|
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Distinction
Dis*tinc"tion\, n. [L. distinctio: cf. F. distinction.]1. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. [Obs.] The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known. --Dryden. 2. The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination. To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite. --Hooker. 3. That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good. The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter. --Locke. 4. Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance. Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall. --Dryden. 5. Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction. Your country's own means of distinction and defense. --D. Webster. Syn: Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : distinction
Spanish:
distinción,
German:
die Unterscheidung,
Japanese:
区別
distinction
c.1340, "action of distinguishing," from L. distinctionem, from stem of distinguere (see distinguish). Meaning "excellence or eminence" (what distinguishes from others) is first recorded 1699. Distinctive is first recorded 1583; distinct is from 1382.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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