English Explanatory Dictionary

distinction

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  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.
  3. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.
  4. 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.

Pronunciation

/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ en-us-distinction.ogg

Word forms

distinction distinctions

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

Related words

distinct distinctive distinguish distinguishable distinguished distinguishness words-as-words distinction

Derived words

contradistinction counterdistinction distinctional distinctionless distinction without a difference error/mistake distinction fact-value distinction indistinction microdistinction T-V distinction type-token distinction use-mention distinction
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