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DISTINCTION
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A distinguishing difference between similar things or people
Example:
he learned the distinction between gold and lead
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("distinction" is a kind of...):
difference (the quality of being unlike or dissimilar)
Derivation:
have the distinction (be distinguished from others of a similar type by virtue of a notable characteristic)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
Example:
it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation
Synonyms:
differentiation; distinction
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("distinction" is a kind of...):
discrimination; secernment (the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "distinction"):
contradistinction (a distinction drawn on the basis of contrast)
contrast; demarcation; dividing line; line (a conceptual separation or distinction)
hairsplitting; word-splitting (making too fine distinctions of little importance)
Derivation:
distinguish (mark as different)
Sense 3
Meaning:
An honor awarded to someone in recognition of achievement or superiority
Example:
she graduated with the highest distinction
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("distinction" is a kind of...):
accolade; award; honor; honour; laurels (a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction)
Sense 4
Meaning:
High status importance owing to marked superiority
Example:
a scholar of great eminence
Synonyms:
distinction; eminence; note; preeminence
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("distinction" is a kind of...):
high status (a position of superior status)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "distinction"):
king (preeminence in a particular category or group or field)
Context examples:
Then, after a long pause, he added: "The king of the ape-men was really a creature of great distinction—a most remarkably handsome and intelligent personality. Did it not strike you?"
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
This distinction appeared to increase, and there was one speech of Louisa's which struck her.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
These infinitesimal distinctions between man and man are too paltry for an Omnipotent Being.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
A courtesy title used before the name of a woman without making a distinction between married and unmarried status.
(Ms, NCI Thesaurus)
In Edward's farewell there was no distinction between Elinor and me: it was the good wishes of an affectionate brother to both.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
His son was bred in the service of his country, and Agatha had ranked with ladies of the highest distinction.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
Amy was learning this distinction through much tribulation, for mistaking enthusiasm for inspiration, she attempted every branch of art with youthful audacity.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
The affection of such a man as Mr. Elton would have been too great a distinction.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
It represents a proliferation of the infundibular epithelium of the hair follicle and its morphologic distinction from a well differentiated carcinoma may be difficult or impossible.
(Keratoacanthoma, NCI Thesaurus)
