distinction
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a clear difference between two similar things.
a discrimination or separation between two or more things based on their differences.
Simple“There is a sharp distinction between being famous and being respected.”
In context“The law makes a clear distinction between accidental damage and intentional vandalism, applying different penalties for each.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the quality of being excellent or special.
the quality of being outstanding or superior; a mark of honor or high achievement.
Simple“She served her country with distinction for over thirty years.”
In context“The professor was awarded a medal of distinction for his groundbreaking research into renewable energy sources.”
SynonymsAntonymsmediocrityinsignificance - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a very high grade in an exam or course.
a specific grade or award conferred for high performance in an academic or professional examination.
Simple“He was thrilled to pass his piano exam with distinction.”
In context“To graduate with distinction, students must maintain a high grade point average and complete an original thesis project.”
Usage distinction matters · distinction between · draw distinction
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.