distinction
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
distinctions
plural
distinctions
Britannica Dictionary definition of DISTINCTION
1
[count]
:
a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc.
:
a noticeable difference between things or people
-
These dogs are different breeds, but this distinction is lost on most people. [=most people do not see a difference between these dogs]
-
There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.
-
distinctions between social classes
-
She made/drew a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”
2
[noncount]
:
the separation of people or things into different groups
-
The law should be enforced without distinction as to race, sex, or religion. [=the law should not treat people of different races, sexes, or religions differently]
3
[noncount]
:
importance, excellence, or achievement
-
He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.
-
Her talents gave distinction to the work.
-
She was a politician of some distinction. [=she was a distinguished politician]
4
:
a special honor, recognition, or award
[count]
-
She's won many distinctions.
-
(Brit) She was awarded a distinction for her dissertation.
[noncount]
-
They should give him the distinction he deserves.
-
He graduated with distinction. [=with special awards or recognition]
5
[noncount]
:
the quality that makes a person or thing special or different
— + of
-
It had the distinction of being the oldest house in the city.
-
The city bears the dubious distinction of being the most polluted in the nation.
