distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 

1

: the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference

without distinction as to race, sex, or religion

also : the difference distinguished

the distinction between imply and infer

2

: something that distinguishes

regional distinctions

3

: the quality or state of being distinguishable

no distinction of facial features in the twins

4

a

: the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy

a politician of some distinction

b

: special honor or recognition

took a law degree with distinction

won many distinctions

c

: an accomplishment that sets one apart

holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize

5

a

: class sense 4

Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.

—Edmund Wilson

b

archaic : division

Synonyms

• choiceness
• excellence
• excellency
• first-rateness
• greatness
• perfection
• preeminence
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

Examples of distinction in a Sentence

There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.

She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”

He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.

Her talents gave distinction to the work.

Recent Examples on the Web

The distinction is important because a felony arrest typically entails more rigid follow-up in court and a higher likelihood of jail detention, while a misdemeanor often ends with a citation and release on the spot. —Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

In her time as a public servant, Rep. Lee became the first Black woman elected to the State Senate from Northern California, holding the distinction of the highest-ranking Black woman in Democratic leadership. —Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024

To detail how this may be done, Heidegger begins as any good philosopher would, with a distinction. —Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Even the distinction these two counties have of voting for so many presidential winners is a little arbitrary. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5b

Phrases Containing distinction

• with distinction

Kids Definition

distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən 

1

a

: the seeing or pointing out of a difference

b

: difference sense 1

the distinction between good and evil

2

: something that makes a person or thing special or different

the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

3

a

: particular excellence

served with distinction

b

: special honor or recognition