distinction

/dis'tiɳkʃn/

Thân thiện

He earned the distinction of being the top student in his class.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a distinguishing difference
   • he learned the distinction between gold and lead
2. a distinguishing quality
   • it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town
3. high status importance owing to marked superiority
   • a scholar of great eminence
4. a discrimination between things as different and distinct
   • it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation

Từ đồng nghĩa

• eminence
• preeminence
• note
• differentiation