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distinction definition

dis·tinc·tion (di stiŋk′s̸hən)

noun

  1. the act of making or keeping distinct; differentiation between or among things
  2. the condition of being different; difference
  3. that which makes or keeps distinct; quality, mark, or feature that differentiates
  4. the state of getting special recognition or honor; fame; eminence a singer of distinction
  5. the quality that makes one seem superior or worthy of special recognition to serve with distinction
  6. a mark or sign of special recognition or honor

Etymology: ME distinccioun < OFr distinction < L distinctio < pp. of distinguere: see distinguish

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

distinction Synonyms

distinction

n.

  1. The act or quality of noticing differences

    differentiation, separation, discrimination, discretion, sharpness, discreteness, discernment, perception, sensitivity, penetration, acuteness, analysis, clearness, judgment, refinement, estimation, nicety, tact, diagnosis, marking out, demarcation; see also acumen, definition 2.

    Antonyms dullness*, indifference*, obtuseness.

  2. A difference used for distinction, sense 1

    distinctive feature, particular, qualification, contrast; see characteristic, detail 1, difference 2.

  3. A mark of personal achievement

    eminence, repute, renown, prominence; see fame 1.

  4. Excellence

    superiority, note, flair, style; see perfection 3.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

distinction Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • blur: Debt is seen as normal - credit cards, for example, have blurred the distinction between borrowing and spending.

Preposition: between

  • type: It seems plausible that there is a distinction between two different types of thinking ( Bermúdez 2003 ).

Adjective modifier

  • dubious: Canada now has the dubious distinction of having the second highest crime rate in the Western world.

Noun used with modifier

  • say-show: I evaluate three available readings of the say-show distinction which fail to meet this challenge.

Preposition: of

  • rank: In Britain there is still to this day an aristocracy enjoying distinctions of rank.

Preposition: for

  • excellence: The examiners may award a distinction for excellence in the whole examination.
distinction usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

distinction quotes

Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions.

-Austen,Jane

   The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one,Ifeel.Thereare only individual egos, crazy for love.

-Barthelme, Donald

The only real distinction at this dangerous moment in human historyand cosmic development has nothing to do with medals and ribbons. Not to fall asleep is distinguished. Everything else is mere popcorn.

-Bellow, Saul

distinction quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"distinction." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/distinction>

APA Style

distinction. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/distinction

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