Word

distinction

noun C1

/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/

Meanings

noun

a clear and meaningful difference between similar things

noun

special recognition or a high level of excellence that makes someone or something stand out

Definition

A distinction is a clear difference between two or more things.

A distinction is an important difference that helps you separate one idea, person, or thing from another. It is often used when you want to show that two similar things are not the same. It can also refer to special recognition or high quality that makes someone or something stand out.

Examples

The report draws a useful distinction between correlation and causation.
She spoke with distinction throughout the debate, even under aggressive questioning.
They struggled to make the distinction between criticism of a policy and criticism of a person.
In his lecture, he insisted on the distinction between ethics and law.
The restaurant’s distinction comes from its consistent service rather than flashy décor.

Common mistake

Learners often say "do a distinction" instead of the correct phrase "make/draw a distinction (between two things)."