noun
distinction
dih-STIHNGK-shuhn
noun
1
A difference or contrast between two things.
"There is an important distinction between the two terms."
2
A special honor or mark of excellence.
"She graduated with distinction."
"He served with great distinction in the war."
How to Use Distinction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA clear difference between things, or a mark of honor and excellence.
Common pairings
make a distinction
draw a distinction
graduate with distinction
Word Forms
distinctions plural
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There is an important _____ between the two terms.
Etymology
From Latin distinctio, "a separating, dividing," from distinguere.