distinction
Use Distinction in a sentence
ʃən 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; Middle English distinccioun (< Anglo-French) < Latin distinctiōn- (stem of distinctiō), equivalent to distinct(us) (see distinct) + -iōn- -ion
1175–1225; Middle English distinccioun (< Anglo-French) < Latin distinctiōn- (stem of distinctiō), equivalent to distinct(us) (see distinct) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
dis·tinc·tion·less, adjective
sub·dis·tinc·tion, noun
un·der·dis·tinc·tion, noun
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. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To distinction
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Distinction
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| to fail to fulfill the expectations or wishes of: |
| thesis written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy |
Collins
World English Dictionary
distinction (dɪˈstɪŋkʃən) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 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 |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
distinction
mid-14c., "action of distinguishing," from L. distinctionem, from stem of distinguere (see distinguish). Meaning "excellence or eminence" (what distinguishes from others) is first recorded 1690s.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
The obvious distinction is that all of that was done openly and in a proper spirit of collaboration.
Until this distinction is factored into the equation, the relative influence of parents and peer groups is an imponderable.
Moreover, many who benefit from legacies do not end up with the high incomes or professional distinction of their parents.
But the latest technology makes the distinction irrelevant.
Nearby Words
Synonyms
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