Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

distinction

noun
dis·​tinc·​tion | \ di-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce distinction (audio) \

Definition of distinction

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
4a : 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
5a : class sense 4 Mr. Hemingway's … prose is of the first distinction.— Edmund Wilson
b archaic : division
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about distinction

Keep scrolling for more

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.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 No one is more aware of the distinction between being a politician and being a judge. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "Republican senators just sent the US Supreme Court a strange letter," 30 Aug. 2019 The exclusive location, a mixture of gently sloping hillsides and level areas, is attractive for those seeking to celebrate their successes and create one-of-a-kind homes of distinction. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Envision the possibilities and seize the opportunity," 28 Aug. 2019 Business Facilities also listed several Alabama cities in different categories of distinction. — William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al.com, "Alabama among nation’s best for business climate," 25 July 2019 The narrow door of the traditional tea-house, Mr Yajima explains, forbade clients to carry divisive marks of distinction (such as swords) through its portals. — B.t., The Economist, "The ambivalent history of the Camellia sinensis leaf," 10 July 2019 While Broncos Country did not rank among the best road-traveling fan bases, the Mile High home-sellout streak dates back to 1970 and the @Broncos Twitter account current features over 2.6 million followers, giving Denver its top-10 distinction. — Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post, "Broncos Insider: University study declares Denver as NFL’s No. 7 best fan base," 28 June 2019 Its purpose was to say that a sitting vice president was subject to criminal process, and then the analysis was prepared by way of a distinction between the two offices. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "“It’s High Time This Whole Matter Get Revisited”," 17 June 2019 Place nail art tape down the middle, to create a clear line of distinction from your future half moon. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "10 Easy and Fun Nail Designs to Copy This Summer," 7 May 2019 In future Olympics, many athletes hope to see each discipline receive its own medal distinction. — Freddie Wilkinson, National Geographic, "Rock climbing: from ancient practice to Olympic sport," 14 Mar. 2019

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.

See More

First Known Use of distinction

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

History and Etymology for distinction

see distinct

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for distinction

distinction

noun
How to pronounce distinction (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of distinction

: 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

See the full definition for distinction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

distinction

noun
dis·​tinc·​tion | \ di-ˈstiŋk-shən How to pronounce distinction (audio) \

Kids Definition of distinction

1 : difference sense 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.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

cataract

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!