distinction

noun
UK: /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/
US: /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/

  1. A clear difference or contrast, especially one based on careful thought or analysis.

    1. There is a clear distinction between right and wrong there.
    2. The subtle distinction between the two theories is difficult to grasp without a solid foundation.

  2. Excellence or a special quality that sets someone or something apart from others.

    1. She received the award with distinction last year.
    2. His work demonstrated a level of creative distinction rarely seen in the industry nowadays.

  3. An honor or award that recognizes outstanding achievement.

    1. He achieved distinction in his medical studies.
    2. Earning a degree with distinction is a remarkable achievement that will open many doors for him.

Synonyms

difference contrast excellence honor discern differentiate
distinction transitive-verb

  1. To manage to see, hear or understand something, especially when it is not clear.

    1. I can barely distinguish shapes from this distance.
    2. It was hard to distinguish whether it was a bird or a plane in the fog above us at noon.

  2. To recognize or point out differences.

    1. It's important to distinguish fact from opinion here.
    2. The expert can distinguish between genuine artifacts and clever forgeries with ease today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "distinction" in English means: A clear difference or contrast, especially one based on careful thought or analysis., Excellence or a special quality that sets someone or something apart from others., An honor or award that recognizes outstanding achievement..

The phonetic transcription of "distinction" is /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/ in British English and /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "distinction": difference, contrast, excellence, honor, discern, differentiate.

Example usage of "distinction": "There is a clear distinction between right and wrong there.". More examples on the page.