Definitions for distinction
dɪˈstɪŋk ʃəndis·tinc·tion

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

1. differentiation, distinction(noun)

   a discrimination between things as different and distinct

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

2. eminence, distinction, preeminence, note(noun)

   high status importance owing to marked superiority

   "a scholar of great eminence"

3. distinction(noun)

   a distinguishing quality

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

4. distinction(noun)

   a distinguishing difference

   "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"

Wiktionary(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. distinction(Noun)

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

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

2. distinction(Noun)

   The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination

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

3. distinction(Noun)

   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.

   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. Distinction(noun)

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

2. Distinction(noun)

   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. Distinction(noun)

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

4. Distinction(noun)

   estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance

5. Distinction(noun)

   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.

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

   Daniel

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

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. Frederick Bastiat:

   Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.

2. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

   Our entire Sheriffs Office family is grieving the sudden loss of our long-time brother, sgt. Watson served his community with honor and distinction, and we ask for everyone to lift his family in prayer during this difficult time.

3. Norm Eisen:

   Director Shaub has served presidents of both parties with distinction – sometimes we agreed and sometimes we disagreed, but he always tries to do the right thing – I say to those smearing him, have they no shame?

4. Don Barthelme:

   The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one, I feel. There are only individual egos, crazy for love.

5. Stephen Hearst:

   My logic back then was very simple, this was an opportunity to clarify the record, to draw the distinction between the fictional character of Charlie Kane and his gloomy Xanadu and WR Hearst and his beautiful architectural masterpiece at the top of the hill at San Simeon.

Images & Illustrations of distinction

Popularity rank by frequency of use