Entry Word: distinction

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 exceptionally high quality <a shop selling native handicrafts of distinction> — see excellence 1
2 a quality that gives something special worth <has the distinction of being the oldest house in the city> — see excellence 2
3 public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement <I did all of the work, and the other guy got all the distinction> — see glory 1
4 the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance <a number of physicians of distinction serve on the staff of the teaching hospital> — see eminence 1
5 something given in recognition of achievement <won a number of distinctions in her long career as an actress> — see award
6 the quality or state of being different <the distinction between the two photographic prints escapes me> — see difference 1
7 the state of being kept distinct <the distinction between liberty and license is often violated in todayʼs society> — see separation 2