distinction

dis·tinc·tion

noun \di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən\

: a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : a noticeable difference between things or people

: the separation of people or things into different groups

: importance, excellence, or achievement

Full Definition of DISTINCTION

1

a archaic :  division

b :  class 4

2

:  the distinguishing of a difference <without distinction as to race, sex, or religion>; also :  the difference distinguished <the distinction between imply and infer>

3

:  something that distinguishes <regional distinctions>

4

:  the quality or state of being distinguishable <no distinction of facial features in the twins>

5

a :  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 <the distinction of being the oldest to win the title>

Examples of DISTINCTION

1. There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.
2. She made a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”
3. He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.
4. Her talents gave distinction to the work.

First Known Use of DISTINCTION

13th century

Related to DISTINCTION

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

deficiency, demerit, disvalue

Related Words

faultlessness, flawlessness, impeccability, perfectness; goodness, value, worth; consequence, importance, notability

Near Antonyms

averageness, badness, crumminess, inferiority, mediocrity, ordinariness, worthlessness