distinction

[ dih-stingk-shuhn ]
/ dɪˈstɪŋk ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR distinction ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Origin of distinction

1175–1225; Middle English distinccioun (< Anglo-French) < Latin distinctiōn- (stem of distinctiō), equivalent to distinct(us) (see distinct) + -iōn- -ion

synonym study for distinction

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM distinction

dis·tinc·tion·less, adjective sub·dis·tinc·tion, noun un·der·dis·tinc·tion, noun

Words nearby distinction

distiller, distillers' grain, distillery, distillment, distinct, distinction, distinctive, distinctive feature, distinctiveness ratio, distinctly, distinguish

Words related to distinction

division, perception, quality, characteristic, sensitivity, divergence, discrepancy, nicety, separation, discrimination, difference, judgment, contrast, importance, merit, reputation, excellence, consequence, prestige, individuality

Example sentences from the Web for distinction

British Dictionary definitions for distinction

distinction
/ (dɪˈstɪŋkʃən) /

noun