distinction
C1Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A clear difference or contrast between two things.
1. The act of distinguishing between things. 2. The quality of being excellent or worthy of honour. 3. A special award or honour for high achievement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to both the abstract concept of difference ('making a distinction') and a concrete honour ('graduated with distinction'). In the 'difference' sense, it often implies a subtle or important difference that must be recognized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The use 'pass with distinction' is more common in British and Commonwealth grading systems. The academic honor 'honours' and 'distinction' have specific, sometimes differing institutional meanings between regions.
Connotations
In UK academic contexts, 'distinction' is a formal, high-level grade. In US contexts, it's also formal but may be used more broadly for any notable difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in academic/formal contexts due to specific grading terminology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
make a distinction between X and Ydraw a distinction between X and Yblur/distinguish/obscure the distinction between X and Yaward/grant X a distinctiongraduate with distinctionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a distinction without a difference”
- “pass with distinction”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Analysts made a key distinction between short-term volatility and long-term market trends.
Academic
The philosopher's work rests on a crucial distinction between 'being' and 'becoming'.
Everyday
There's a clear distinction between a hobby and a profession.
Technical
The legal distinction between 'negligence' and 'malice' is fundamental to the case.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She learnt to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant data.
- Can you distinguish the twins apart?
American English
- He learned to distinguish between important and trivial details.
- The law clearly distinguishes these two types of liability.
adverb
British English
- The flavours are distinctly different.
- He spoke distinctly despite his nerves.
American English
- The two proposals are distinctly separate.
- Please write your name distinctly on the form.
adjective
British English
- There was a distinct lack of enthusiasm in the room.
- She has a very distinct style of painting.
American English
- There was a distinct possibility of rain later.
- His voice is instantly distinct.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a distinction between hot and cold water.
- He got a distinction for his art project.
- Can you explain the distinction between 'affect' and 'effect'?
- She passed her driving test with distinction.
- The author makes a subtle distinction between guilt and shame.
- The university awards a distinction for exceptional thesis work.
- Any meaningful ethical framework must draw a distinction between intent and consequence.
- The subtlety of his argument lay in the crucial distinction he made between liberty and licence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DISTINCT + ION. Something DISTINCT is clearly different. Adding '-ION' turns it into the noun for the state of being different or the act of seeing the difference.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFERENCES ARE BOUNDARIES (e.g., 'draw a distinction', 'blur the distinction').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'различие' (difference) when the meaning is 'honour' ('почетное звание').
- Do not use 'отличие' (which can also mean 'feature') for the formal act of 'making a distinction'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'distinction' as a verb (incorrect: 'I distinction them'). Correct: 'I distinguish them'.
- Confusing 'distinction' (difference/honour) with 'distinctiveness' (unique quality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'distinction' to mean 'honour'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be neutral (meaning 'difference') or positive (meaning 'honour' or 'excellence'). Context determines the connotation.
No. The verb form is 'distinguish'. 'Distinction' is only a noun.
It's an idiom criticizing an argument that points out a supposed difference that has no practical consequence or real meaning.
It is countable when referring to a specific difference or honour ('several important distinctions'). It can be uncountable when referring to the abstract concept ('a matter of distinction').
Collections
Part of a collection
Abstract Thinking
B2 · 49 words · Words for ideas, reasoning and intellectual concepts.
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.
Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.