DISTINCTION • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Distinction

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/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/ Listen

noun

Distinction n.

1.

A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. (Obs.) "The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known."

2.

The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination. "To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite."

3.

That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good. "The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter."

4.

Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance. "Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall."

5.

Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction. "Your country's own means of distinction and defense."

Synonyms: Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence.

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Etymology of 'Distinction'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Distinction" Quotes from Famous Books

... who from sheer ignorance add to the difficulties which the boy encounters in going to school. Failure to appreciate very small points may cause unnecessary suffering. To be the only boy in the school to wear combinations is not a distinction that any new boy craves, however strong his nerves may be. A friend of mine still relates with feeling how, twenty years ago, he arrived at school with shirts which buttoned at the neck! At night when every one else in the dormitory was asleep he sat for hours on his bed, miserable ...

— The Nervous Child • Hector Charles Cameron

... cottage of Erasmus Holiday. PARVO CONTENTUS, in the meanwhile, I hear my pupils parse and construe, worshipful sir, and drive away my time with the aid of the Muses. And I have at all times, when in correspondence with foreign scholars, subscribed myself Erasmus ab Die Fausto, and have enjoyed the distinction due to the learned under that title: witness the erudite Diedrichus Buckerschockius, who dedicated to me under that title his treatise on the letter TAU. In fine, sir, I have been a happy ...

— Kenilworth • Sir Walter Scott

... things were possible in the world; possible among people garbed in distinction, of careful Christian training, to whom one looks up as ...

— The Indian Lily and Other Stories • Hermann Sudermann

... introducing women, the younger is introduced to the older; if nearly of the same age a distinction is immaterial. Young girls are introduced to matrons, and the ...

— Mother's Remedies - Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers - of the United States and Canada • T. J. Ritter

... hundred vessels, on promise of a pardon. Most of the inferior chiefs followed his example. A-juo-Chay (Ching y[)i]h saou) held out a few months longer, and at length surrendered with sixteen thousand men, on condition of a general pardon, and himself to be made a mandarine of distinction. ...

— Great Pirate Stories • Various

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