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

With the loss, the Vikings settled for the undesirable distinction of having the most wins for a wild-card team in league history. —Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

That distinction belonged to Josh Allen, who, despite losing his top two receiving targets — including perennial Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs — last offseason, delivered another dominant campaign and led the Buffalo Bills to their latest AFC East crown. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025

The Highlanders entered the game as the only 3-0 team in the Big West after knocking off Long Beach State on Thursday, but UCI and streaking UC San Diego (13-2, 3-0) now share that distinction. —Dan Arritt, Orange County Register, 4 Jan. 2025

To spot the distinction, picture a classic tomato soup next to beef and barley stew or shrimp chowder. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 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