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. Alan Watts:

   We are not clear as to the role in life of these chemicals; nor are we clear as to the role of the physician. You know, of course, that in ancient times there was no clear distinction between priest and physician.

2. George Spencer-Brown:

   We take as given the idea of distinction and the idea of indication, and that one cannot make an indication without drawing a distinction. We take therefore the form of distinction for the form.

3. 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.

4. Sallust:

   They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.

5. W, Willard Wirtz:

   Commencement speakers have a good deal in common with grandfather clocks Standing usually some six feet tall, typically ponderous in construction, more traditional than functional, their distinction is largely their noisy communication of essentially commonplace information.

Images & Illustrations of distinction

Popularity rank by frequency of use