Definition of DISTINCTION

distinction

Meanings

Plural: distinctions

Noun

  • a discrimination between things as different and distinct
    • "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation"
  • high status importance owing to marked superiority
  • a distinguishing quality
    • "it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town"
  • a distinguishing difference
    • "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"
  • That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
  • The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
  • 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 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.

Origin / 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.

Antonyms

confusion

Scrabble Score: 14

distinction is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
distinction is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
distinction is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

distinction is a valid Words With Friends word