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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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