noun

distinction

/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ · say it: dis·TING·shun

a difference between similar things

In Nuance & Precision

In more detail

1. (noun) a difference or contrast between two people or things

2. (noun) special honor or importance given to someone because of their achievements or qualities

3. (noun) the quality of being excellent or impressive in a way that makes someone or something stand out

Examples

1. There is a clear distinction between the two political parties.
2. She graduated with distinction from her university.
3. He worked with distinction as a surgeon for many years.

How to use distinction

Distinction has three overlapping senses: it can refer to a clear difference or contrast between things (often used with 'between'), to honor or recognition for achievement (he graduated with distinction), or to the quality of being notably superior or impressive. The word is more formal and nuanced than simple difference, often implying significance or importance in the distinction being made.

Common phrases

draw a distinction
make a distinction
without distinction
a distinction between
with distinction
earn distinction

Synonyms

difference · contrast · differentiation · eminence · excellence

Opposites

similarity · resemblance · ordinariness

Word family

distinguish (verb) · distinctive (adjective) · distinctly (adverb) · distinctiveness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse distinction with distinction of rank or status, missing that the primary sense is simply a difference or contrast; also, using 'a distinction' when 'a difference' would be clearer in casual contexts.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD