What does "distinction" mean?
That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
Distinction
/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
- Grammar: distinction is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: eminence, accolade, accolade, accomplishment.
- Useful contrasts: blurring, commingling, confusion.
- Usage evidence: The distinction in usage between the two words is clear.
How to use "distinction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "distinction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "distinction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "distinction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "distinction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "distinction" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "eminence" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "distinction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination. countable, uncountable
"The proper course for me, gentlemen of the jury, is to deal first with the earliest charges that have been falsely brought against me, and with my earliest accursers; and then with the later ones. I make this distinction because […]"
- 2 a distinguishing difference between similar things or people wordnet
- 3 The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination. countable, uncountable
"There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking."
- 4 a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes wordnet
- 5 A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type. countable, uncountable
"Gedeon Van Rompay had the dubious distinction of being the only Site employee personally hired by Edwin Falkirk, former All Sections Chief and perennial piece of human trash. Lillian had found it easy not to hold this against the man, but only because there were so many other odious things about him to choose from. He was misogynist, he was chauvinistic, he was boorish, he was violent. Just about the only metric on which she rated Van Rompay higher than Falkirk was transphobia; the big man made no distinction between varieties of womanhood, feeling superior to all of them equally."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 an honor awarded to someone in recognition of achievement or superiority wordnet
- 7 A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.; A feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; the quality of being distinguished. countable, specifically, uncountable
"She had the distinction of meeting the Queen."
- 8 high status importance owing to marked superiority wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The distinction in usage between the two words is clear."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "distinction"?
Common synonyms include: eminence, accolade, accolade, accomplishment, account, achieve language learning goals.
How do you use "distinction" in a sentence?
The distinction in usage between the two words is clear.
How do you pronounce "distinction"?
Pronounced /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem, action noun of distinguō (“separate, distinguish”). Attested in English from the late 14th century.