distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce distinction (audio)
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

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 Musicians such as Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith, Linda Ronstadt, and Smokey Robinson have received the distinction in past years. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024 Your story is the one distinction that separates you from others. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Yes, but with some important distinctions compared to their injectable counterparts. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024 Sean Wilentz, a historian at Princeton University, offered another key distinction. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distinction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinction was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near distinction

Cite this Entry

“Distinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

distinction

noun
dis·​tinc·​tion dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce distinction (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on distinction

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