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Webster 1913 Edition

Distinction

Dis-tinc′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
distinctio
: cf. F.
distinction
.]
1.
A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.
[Obs.]
The
distinction
of tragedy into acts was not known.
Dryden.
2.
The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination.
To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth,
distinction
is requisite.
Hooker.
3.
That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference;
as, the
distinction
between real and apparent good
.
The
distinction
betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter.
Locke.
4.
Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.
Maids, women, wives, without
distinction
, fall.
Dryden.
5.
Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation;
as, a man of
distinction
.
Syn. – Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence.

Webster 1828 Edition

Distinction

DISTINCTION

,
Noun.
[L.]
1.
The act of separating or distinguishing.
2.
A note or mark of difference. [Seldom used.]
3.
Difference made; a separation or disagreement in kind or qualities, by which one thing is known from another. We observe a distinction between matter and spirit; a distinction between matter and spirit; a distinction between the animal and vegetable kingdoms; a distinction between good and evil, right and wrong; between sound reasoning and sophistry.
4.
Difference regarded; separation; preference; as in the phrase, without distinction, which denotes promiscuously, all together, alike.
Maids, women, wives, without distinction fall.
5.
Separation; division; as the distinction of tragedy into acts.
[In this sense, division would be preferable.]
6.
Notation of difference; discrimination; as a distinction between real and apparent good.
In classing the qualities of actions, it is necessary to make accurate distinctions.
7.
Eminence; superiority; elevation of rank in society, or elevation of character; honorable estimation. Men who hold a high rank by birth or office, and men who are eminent fro their talents, services or worth, are called men of distinction, as being raised above others by positive institutions or by reputation. So we say, a man of note.
8.
That which confers eminence or superiority; office, rank or public favor.
9.
Discernment; judgment.

Definition 2024

distinction

distinction

English

Noun

distinction ‎(countable and uncountable, plural distinctions)

  1. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
  2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
    There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking.‎
    • 1921, Bertrand Russell, “Lecture II”, in The Analysis of Mind:
      In spite of these qualifications, the broad distinction between instinct and habit is undeniable. To take extreme cases, every animal at birth can take food by instinct, before it has had opportunity to learn; on the other hand, no one can ride a bicycle by instinct, though, after learning, the necessary movements become just as automatic as if they were instinctive.
    • 1911, “Evidence”, in Encyclopædia Britannica:
      But, for practical purposes, it is possible to draw a distinction between a statement of facts observed and an expression of opinion as to the inference to be drawn from these facts, and the rule telling witnesses to state facts and not express opinions is of great value in keeping their statements out of the region of argument and conjecture.
  3. Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
    She had the distinction of meeting the Queen.‎
    • 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest:
      Mother […] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
    • 2013, Daniel Taylor, Steven Gerrard goal against Poland ensures England will go to World Cup (in The Guardian, 15 October 2013)
      Leighton Baines, playing with distinction again, sent over a left-wing cross with pace and accuracy. Welbeck, prominently involved all night, could not reach it but Rooney was directly behind him, flashing his header past Szczesny.

Derived terms

Related terms

Antonyms

Translations

French

Etymology

From Old French distinction (attested in the 12th century), from the Latin accusative distinctionem, the action noun of distinguere ‎(“distinguish”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /dis.tɛ̃k.sjɔ̃/
  • Rhymes: -ɔ̃
  • Homophone: distinctions

Noun

distinction f ‎(plural distinctions)

  1. distinction (difference, honour)

Etymology

From Old French (12th century) distinction, from Latin accusative distinctionem, action noun of distinguo ‎(“I distinguish”). Used in English from the late 14th century.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/

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