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

Synonyms

• choiceness
• excellence
• excellency
• first-rateness
• greatness
• perfection
• preeminence
• primeness
• superbness
• superiority
• supremacy

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 on the Web

For me, there is a clear distinction between the propaganda films of the Islamic Republic and the films that are made under the constraints of censorship. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 May 2025

Leigh’s treatment of the masquerade likewise dissolves distinctions between subject and object: An encrusted head sans face atop a raffia dome functions neither as a fully articulated human form nor as an abstract sculpture. —Delinda Collier, Artforum, 1 May 2025

Appropriate regulations that clearly define this distinction will enhance and streamline the ecosystem, helping eliminate fraud and misinformation. —Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The report marks a stark distinction in trends before and after 1975, when toothpaste with fluoride become widely available and more commonly used. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see distinct

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5b

Phrases Containing distinction

• with distinction

Rhymes for distinction

• extinction
• contradistinction
• tinction

Kids Definition

distinction

noun

dis·​tinc·​tion dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-shən 

1

a

: the seeing or pointing out of a difference

b

: difference sense 1

the distinction between good and evil

2

: something that makes a person or thing special or different

the distinction of being the oldest house in the city

3

a

: particular excellence

served with distinction

b

: special honor or recognition