distinction

/dəˈstɪŋ(k)ʃən/

/dɪsˈtɪŋkʃɪn/

Other forms: distinctions

When you are marked for distinction, it means you are someone who is going to do well in life. You will set yourself apart from others. Distinction means being set apart, often by excellence.

When things are distinct from one another, they are different. It is the distinctions that make them this way. In your school, an outside observer might at first be unable to see the distinctions among the kids, but with a little time they'll be able to see how kids are identified and associated with their peculiar qualities.

Definitions of distinction

1. noun

   a discrimination between things as different and distinct
   “it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation”

   synonyms: differentiation

   types:

   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

   Rubicon, point of no return

   a line that when crossed permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment

   type of:

   discrimination, secernment

   the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished
2. noun

   a distinguishing quality
   “it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town”

   type of:

   quality

   an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
3. noun

   a distinguishing difference
   “he learned the distinction between gold and lead”

   type of:

   difference

   the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
4. noun

   high status importance owing to marked superiority
   synonyms: eminence, note, preeminence

   types:

   king

   preeminence in a particular category or group or field

   type of:

   high status

   a position of superior status