Definitions for distinction
dɪˈstɪŋk ʃəndis·tinc·tion

Princeton's WordNet(3.85 / 7 votes)Rate this definition:

1. differentiation, distinctionnoun

   a discrimination between things as different and distinct

   "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation"

2. eminence, distinction, preeminence, notenoun

   high status importance owing to marked superiority

   "a scholar of great eminence"

3. distinctionnoun

   a distinguishing quality

   "it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town"

4. distinctionnoun

   a distinguishing difference

   "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"

Wiktionary(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. distinctionnoun

   That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.

2. distinctionnoun

   The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination

3. distinctionnoun

   specifically, a feature that that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.

4. Etymology: From (12th century) distinction, from accusative distinctionem, action noun of distinguo. Used in English from the late 14th century.

Webster Dictionary(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Distinctionnoun

   a marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division

2. Distinctionnoun

   the act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination

3. Distinctionnoun

   that which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good

4. Distinctionnoun

   estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance

5. Distinctionnoun

   conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction

Freebase(3.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Distinction

   Distinction is a principle under international humanitarian law governing the legal use of force in an armed conflict, whereby belligerents must distinguish between combatants and civilians. Distinction and proportionality are important factors in assessing military necessity in that the harm caused to civilians or civilian property must be proportional and not excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated by an attack on a military objective.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Distinction

   dis-tingk′shun, n. separation or division: that which distinguishes or gives distinction: difference: eminence: characteristic dignity and elegance of style: honourable treatment.

Dictionary of Nautical Terms(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. distinction

   Flags of distinction, badges, honourable note of superiority.

Matched Categories

1. • High Status

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'distinction' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #2428

2. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'distinction' in Nouns Frequency: #939

How to pronounce distinction?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say distinction in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of distinction in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of distinction in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Examples of distinction in a Sentence

1. Nick Ayers:

   I've enjoyed being involved in every election cycle since 2002 fighting for the policies and the people I believed in. My decision to leave the White House and Washington, D.C. earlier this year was for the sole purpose of stepping back from politics and enjoying this season of life with my wife and three young children. They are the priority now and for the many years to come. Governor Kemp has a number of great options to choose from who will represent our state with success and distinction -- but I won't be one of them.

2. The LAPD:

   The Los Angeles Police Department has the distinction of facilitating First Amendment Rights for all Angelenos. Equally, the Department will enforce the law when individuals engage in violence. Those who expressed themselves peacefully today are appreciated and recognized by the Los Angeles Police Department.

3. Nancy Pelosi:

   The President's action makes no distinction between a status violation and committing a serious crime.

4. Helen Hayes:

   My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.'

5. Michael Carvin:

   The kind of things they can require plaintiffs to pay for, they are just as important as a matter of public concern and just as ideological as things they can’t charge them for. We don’t see any real distinction.

Popularity rank by frequency of use