Distinction: meaning, definitions and examples

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distinction

[dɪˈstɪŋkʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

recognition

a difference or contrast between similar things or people

Synonyms

contrast, difference, discrepancy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distinction	Use this word when emphasizing a clear and important difference between two similar things, often in a way that adds value or recognition. There is a crucial distinction between a manager and a leader She earned the highest distinction in her class
difference	This is the most general term for noting that two things are not the same. Used in everyday and formal contexts without strong emphasis on significance. There is a small difference between these two shades of blue Can you tell the difference between these brands?
contrast	This is suitable for situations where you are comparing two or more things to highlight their differences. Often used in visual, literary, or comparative contexts. The bright flowers contrasted sharply with the dark background In contrast to his brother, Tom is very reserved
discrepancy	Use this word when referring to a difference that suggests an error or inconsistency, often in data, records, or accounts. Has a negative connotation. There is a discrepancy in the financial report that needs to be investigated We found a discrepancy between the inventory list and the actual stock

Examples of usage

there is a clear distinction between the two concepts
she made a clear distinction between right and wrong

^{Context #2 | Noun}

excellence

the quality of being excellent or superior

Synonyms

excellence, preeminence, superiority.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distinction	Distinction is often used to highlight a unique quality or characteristic that sets someone or something apart from others. It can be positive or neutral in tone. She graduated with distinction in her field of study. The chef's use of exotic spices gives the dish its distinction.
excellence	Excellence is used to describe the highest quality or standard in performance or achievement. It has a very positive connotation. The company is known for its excellence in customer service. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every project she undertakes.
superiority	Superiority is used to suggest being better than others, often in a competitive context. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it implies arrogance. His sense of superiority made it difficult for him to work in a team. The athlete demonstrated clear superiority in every aspect of the competition.
preeminence	Preeminence is used to indicate a position of superiority or the highest rank, often in a professional or academic context. It implies being the best among a group. The university has gained preeminence in scientific research. With years of experience, she has achieved preeminence in her field.

Examples of usage

his distinction in the field of science is well-known
she achieved great distinction in her career

^{Context #3 | Noun}

award

a mark of honor or recognition; a badge of honor or rank

Synonyms

award, badge, honor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distinction	Used when referring to something that sets a person, place, or thing apart from others due to its excellence or special quality. She graduated with distinction from the university The artwork was of such distinction that it was displayed in the main gallery
honor	Used to show high respect or recognition given to someone for their vast contributions or outstanding achievements. This term holds a very positive connotation. It was an honor to meet the Nobel Prize winner The athlete was given the honor of lighting the Olympic torch
award	Commonly used in formal contexts to recognize an achievement or performance in various fields such as academics, sports, or the arts. He received an award for his outstanding performance in the project The film won numerous awards at the international film festival
badge	Often refers to a small object or symbol, typically worn, which signifies a status, membership, or accomplishment, frequently used in military, scouts, or security contexts. The scout proudly displayed his collection of merit badges She wore a badge to show she was an official member of the event staff

Examples of usage

he was awarded a distinction for his bravery
the highest academic distinction is a summa cum laude

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'distinctio', which means 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'.
In Old French, it evolved to 'distinction', retaining the idea of separation or differentiation.
Originally used in debates, it referred to the ability to differentiate between arguments.

Education

Honors distinctions in education often signify students who perform at the top of their class.
Advanced placement courses are often distinct for providing a college-level curriculum to high school students.
In many universities worldwide, earning a 'distinction' can impact future job opportunities.

Cultural Perspectives

In art, reviewers often make distinctions between styles to help audiences understand deeper meanings.
Certain cultures have unique distinctions between roles in society, shaping their social structure.
Fashion often establishes distinctions based on trends, individual styles, or cultural significance.

Philosophy

The concept of distinction is pivotal in philosophy, relating to distinguishing reality from perception.
Philosophers like Kant have explored the distinction between phenomena (what we can perceive) and noumena (what exists independently of us).
Ethical discussions often rely on making distinctions between right and wrong actions.

Science

In biology, distinguishing features help classify organisms and understand their roles in ecosystems.
Medicine employs distinctions to understand symptoms and diagnose conditions accurately.
Physics discusses distinctions in matter classifications, such as solid, liquid, and gas to describe states of substance.

Translations

Translations of the word "distinction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distinção

🇮🇳 अंतर

🇩🇪 Unterscheidung

🇮🇩 perbedaan

🇺🇦 відмінність

🇵🇱 rozróżnienie

🇯🇵 区別 (kūbetsu)

🇫🇷 distinction

🇪🇸 distinción

🇹🇷 ayrım

🇰🇷 구별 (gubyel)

🇸🇦 تمييز (tamayuz)

🇨🇿 rozdíl

🇸🇰 rozdiel

🇨🇳 区别 (qūbié)

🇸🇮 razlikovanje

🇮🇸 aðgreining

🇰🇿 айырмашылық

🇬🇪 განსხვავება (gansxvaveba)

🇦🇿 fərq

🇲🇽 distinción

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,070, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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