Definition of distinction
1a archaic : divisionb : class 4 Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction. — Edmund Wilson
2 : 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
3 : something that distinguishes regional distinctions
4 : the quality or state of being distinguishable no distinction of facial features in the twins
5a : the quality or state of being excellent or superior : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy a politician of some distinctionb : special honor or recognition took a law degree with distinction won many distinctionsc : an accomplishment that sets one apart holds the distinction of being the only American to win the prize
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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 of distinction from the Web
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If the old Nichols Library is designated a local landmark, the city of Naperville will have a total of four buildings given the special distinction that recognizes a structure's historic and architectural significance.
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And there’s certainly a distinction between opposing contraception itself and opposing a requirement for employers to pay for it.
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There is no justification for this regulatory distinction.
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This distinction between public acknowledgement and private grief is captured tangibly in the sites on the National Mall.
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That distinction belongs to the Philadelphia Phillies, who have lost 22 of their last 28 games after an 11-9 start.
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Sophomore Zach Kinne was yet another stalwart from the Wildcats' cross-country team to earn All-State distinction.
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Dunson said the lawsuit makes a distinction between Ajin and Elsea's employer, which was ATS.
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Rynders quickly recognized that this site could produce grapes that were classic to the region — blue and black flavors, firm tannins — resulting in wines of distinction.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinction'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of distinction
see distinct
First Known Use: 13th century
DISTINCTION Defined for English Language Learners
distinction
playDefinition of distinction for English Language Learners
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: a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : a noticeable difference between things or people
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: the separation of people or things into different groups
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: importance, excellence, or achievement
DISTINCTION Defined for Kids
distinction
playDefinition of distinction for Students
1 : difference 1 the distinction between right and wrong
2 : the act of seeing or pointing out a difference He made a distinction between the two words.
3 : great worth : excellence a writer of distinction
4 : something that makes a person or thing special or different Our house has the distinction of being the oldest one in town.
Learn More about distinction
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distinction Spanish Central: Translation of distinction Nglish: Translation of distinction for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of distinction for Arabic speakers
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