distinction
/dis'tiɳkʃn/
Definition
Noun 1. A clear difference or contrast between two or more things: The act of distinguishing or the state of being different. 2. A distinguishing quality or feature: A characteristic that makes something or someone special or different. 3. Excellence or high status that sets someone or something apart: Recognition of outstanding achievement or superior quality. 4. A special honor or recognition: An award, title, or mark of excellence given for achievement.
Examples
- Difference:
- There is a clear distinction between theory and practice.
- The law makes a distinction between intentional and accidental acts.
- Distinguishing Quality:
- The restaurant's distinction is its use of locally sourced ingredients.
- She has the distinction of being the first person in her family to attend university.
- Excellence/High Status:
- He is a scholar of great distinction.
- She served with distinction in her long career.
- Special Honor:
- He graduated with the highest distinction.
- The medal was awarded as a distinction for bravery.
Advanced Usage
- "A distinction without a difference": A contrast or separation that is claimed but is not real or meaningful.
- Arguing over the precise wording seemed like a distinction without a difference.
- "To draw/make a distinction": To point out or recognize a difference between things.
- It is important to draw a distinction between constructive criticism and personal attacks.
Variants and Related Words
- Distinct (adj): Recognizably different; clear and definite.
- There are two distinct possibilities.
- Distinctive (adj): Characteristic of one person or thing, serving to distinguish it from others.
- She has a distinctive laugh.
- Distinguish (v): To recognize or point out a difference; to be a characteristic feature of.
- It is hard to distinguish the twins from each other.
Synonyms
- Difference: Contrast, divergence, variation.
- Feature: Characteristic, mark, particularity.
- Excellence: Eminence, prestige, honor, merit.
- Honor: Award, accolade, credit.
Idioms and Phrases
- With distinction: In an excellent or outstanding manner.
- She passed the exam with distinction.
- Of distinction: Having a quality of excellence or high status.
- He was a writer of distinction.
Noun
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a distinguishing difference
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he learned the distinction between gold and lead
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a distinguishing quality
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it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town
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high status importance owing to marked superiority
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a scholar of great eminence
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a discrimination between things as different and distinct
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it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation
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