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.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Distinctionnoun

   Etymology: distinctio, Latin.

   1. Note of difference.2. Honourable note of superiority.3. That by which one differs from another.

   This faculty of perception puts the distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter. John Locke.

   4. Difference regarded; preference or neglect in comparison with something else.

   Maids, women, wives, without distinction fall;
   The sweeping deluge, love, comes on, and covers all. Dryd.

   5. Separation of complex notions.

   This fierce abridgment
   Hath to it circumstantial branches, which
   Distinction should be rich in. William Shakespeare, Cymbeline.

   6. Division into different parts.

   The distinction of it into acts was not known unto them; or, if it were, it is yet so darkly delivered to us, that we cannot make it out. John Dryden, on Dramatick Poesy.

   7. Notation of difference between things seemingly the same.

   The mixture of those things by speech, which by nature are divided, is the mother of all error: to take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite. Richard Hooker, b. iii. s. 3.

   Lawfulness cannot be handled without limitations and distinctions. Francis Bacon, Holy War.

   This will puzzle all your logick
   And distinctions to answer it. John Denham, Sophy.

   From this distinction of real and apparent good, some distinguish happiness into two sorts, real and imaginary. John Norris.

   8. Discernment; judgment.

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. Carlyle Thayer:

   During the Vietnam War Hanoi always drew a distinction between the peace-loving American people and the imperialist American government, there was a basis for future reconciliation.

2. The Australian development expert:

   I would expect with climate change that distinction is going to blur further, and we're going to see more incidents - whether it's... food insecurity riots that create instability, or refugees in Europe.

3. Vincent Van Gogh:

   Let us keep courage and try to be patient and gentle. And let us not mind being eccentric, and make distinction between good and evil.”

4. Leon Trotsky:

   Let a man find himself, in distinction from others, on top of two wheels with a chain -- at least in a poor country like Russia -- and his vanity begins to swell out like his tires. In America it takes an automobile to produce this effect.

5. Benjamin Franklin:

   Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbor, will feel a pleasure in the reverse. And those who despair to rise in distinction by their virtues, are happy if others can be depressed to a level of themselves.

Popularity rank by frequency of use