distinction

dis-tinc-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A difference or contrast between similar things or people.

  2. 2.

    Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

  3. 3.

    A special honor or recognition.

  4. 4.

    The act of distinguishing; discrimination.

Forms

plural: distinctions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Draw a distinction — To point out a difference.
  • •
    Without distinction — Treating all equally; not differentiating.
  • •
    A distinction without a difference — A meaningless or trivial distinction.

Related words

Antonyms: mediocrity, sameness, similarity
See also: distinct, distinctive, distinguish
Synonyms: difference, differentiation, excellence, honor

Etymology

From Latin distinctio ("separation, distinction"), from distinguere ("to separate, distinguish"). Entered English via Old French in the 13th century.