distinction

noun dis·tinc·tion \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Examples: distinction in a Sentence

Definition of distinction

1 a archaic : division

b : 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

5 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

See distinction defined for English-language learners

See distinction defined for kids

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

Peters, 59, is a pro-business moderate who has the unusual distinction for a Democrat of being endorsed by both the local and national chambers of commerce.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Congressional District 52: Democrat Peters facing six Republican challengers," 1 June 2018
Patrick’s stature is such that organizers arranged a brief news conference in the track media center Sunday after her 30th-place finish, an unusual distinction for an also-ran.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Despite an abrupt Indy 500 exit, Danica Patrick's legacy is cemented," 27 May 2018
Gadi Eizenkot, the Israeli army chief, said his appointment erased the distinction between the political and military wings of Hamas.

— The Economist, "The leader of Hamas in Gaza is the most influential man in Palestine," 26 May 2018
Royal warrants, which have been issued by the British royal family since the 15th century, are a mark of distinction for companies who have provided goods and services for at least five years to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip or Prince Charles.

— amy tara koch, New York Times, "A Road Map to Shopping Like a Royal in London," 9 May 2018
He’s hoping again to be the fastest in his age group (95-100 this year), which would give him that distinction for a fourth consecutive year.

— frank fitzpatrick, Philly.com, "97-year-old returns to Franklin Field as a Penn Relays runner," 27 Apr. 2018
Miami Lakes Education Center Select journalism students of Miami Lakes Educational Center participated in the 2018 C-SPAN Student Cam Documentary Contest and earned distinctions for their projects featuring the importance of the first amendment.

— by adrianne richardson, miamiherald, "Scheck Hillel students score in 2018 State Solo and Ensemble performances | Miami Herald," 10 Apr. 2018
This makes Calipari the only coach to have two teams Vacated, which is certainly a distinction for the ages.

— charles p. pierce, SI.com, "It's Time for the NCAA to Reinstate the Vacated Teams to College Basketball's Record Books," 1 Apr. 2018
One key distinction for those in uniform is that military law allows for punishment, judicial and administrative, for behavior that affects order and discipline.

— tom vanden brook, USA TODAY, "Two women say Marines did nothing after they complained of sexually explicit overtures by officer," 6 Feb. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

distinction Synonyms

DISTINCTION Defined for English Language Learners

distinction

noun

Definition of distinction for English Language Learners

: a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : a noticeable difference between things or people
: the separation of people or things into different groups
: importance, excellence, or achievement