distinction
n. C / Un. a clear difference between two similar things. It can also mean that someone has done something excellent or special.
n. a clear difference or contrast between similar things or people; alternatively, excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.
There is a sharp distinction between these two laws.
The researcher made a clear distinction between the two species based on their unique wing patterns.
The university awarded him a medal of distinction for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of theoretical physics over the last decade.
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.
Uncountable when referring to the quality of excellence; countable when referring to a specific difference or contrast.
the distinction of the twothe distinction between the twoWhen comparing two things, the noun is almost always followed by the preposition 'between'.