distinction

English Online Dictionary. What means distinction‎? What does distinction mean?

English

Etymology

From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem, action noun of distinguō (“separate, distinguish”). Attested in English from the late 14th century.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/

Noun

distinction (countable and uncountable, plural distinctions)

1. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
3. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.
   1. (specifically) A feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; the quality of being distinguished.

Antonyms

• (antonym(s) of “that which distinguishes”): confusion

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

French

Etymology

Inherited from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dis.tɛ̃k.sjɔ̃/
• Rhymes: -ɔ̃
• Homophone: distinctions

Noun

distinction f (plural distinctions)

1. distinction (difference, honour)

Related terms

• distinct
• distinguer

Further reading

• “distinction”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.