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
From the M-W Editors
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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Such rent-seeking funnels resources upwards, from poor to rich, and blurs any distinction between poor- and rich-country governments.
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With a potential of 40 candidates vying for nine council seats in November, perhaps Maney is trying to draw a clear distinction between the two openly gay men in the race in an effort to build name recognition.
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As Walter Russell Mead, my boss over at The American Interest, has noted, Jacksonians characteristically emphasize anti-elitism and egalitarianism while drawing a sharp distinction between members of the folk group and those outside it.
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The Carboniferous amphibian Tuditanus [Eosauravus] and the distinction between microsaurs and reptiles.
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The city's mayor Anne Hidalgo presented the designer with a Grand Vermeil medal, the highest distinction the city offers, for his work in the French capital.
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The distinction once held by Olmstead has been passed down like a royal title to Ledecky, who has set 13 world records in the 400, 800 and 1,500 freestyles and is the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 200 meters.
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Ten hospitals earned a place on the 2017-18 Honor Roll – a distinction awarded to pediatric centers that deliver high-quality care across multiple specialties.
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This hat has the distinction of being specifically designed to be smooshed in your suitcase or beach bag while still maintaining its shape.
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
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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