Lexic.us

Definition of Distinction

1. Noun. A discrimination between things as different and distinct. "It is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation"

2. Noun. High status importance owing to marked superiority. "A scholar of great eminence"

3. Noun. A distinguishing quality. "It has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town"

4. Noun. A distinguishing difference. "He learned the distinction between gold and lead"

Definition of Distinction

1. n. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.

Definition of Distinction

1. Noun. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination. ¹

2. Noun. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination ¹

3. Noun. specifically, a feature that that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Distinction

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Distinction

1. 1. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. "The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known." (Dryden) 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." (Hooker) 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." (Locke) 4. Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance. "Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall." (Dryden) 5. Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction. "Your country's own means of distinction and defense." (D. Webster) Synonym: Difference, variation, variety, contrast, diversity, contrariety, disagreement, discrimination, preference, superiority, rank, note, eminence. Origin: L. Distinctio: cf. F. Distinction. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Distinction

distilled distilled water distiller distilleries distillers distillers' dried grains distillery distilling distillment distillments

distills distils distinct distincter distinctest distinction (current term) distinction without a difference distinctions distinctions without a difference distinctive

distinctive feature distinctively distinctiveness distinctly distinctness distinctnesses distincture distingue distinguish distinguishability

Literary usage of Distinction

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the High Court of Chancery: From by Francis Vesey, Great Britain Court of Chancery (1827)
"This distinction however has been held by some Equity Judges altogether without ... Fettiplace ( 38 ), alluding to the distinction in Godolphin and ..."

2. Race Distinctions in American Law by Gilbert Thomas Stephenson (1910)
"A RACE distinction in the law is a requirement imposed by statute, constitutional enactment, or judicial decision, prescribing for a person of one race a ..."

3. The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, Or, The Preservation of by Charles Darwin (1882)
"distinction between the sterility of firet crosses ind of hybrids —Sterility various in ... This distinction is important, when the cause of the sterility, ..."

4. A Treatise on the Law of Sale of Personal Property by Floyd Russell Mechem (1901)
"Attention must also be paid to this distinction in the construction of authorities, ... Otherwise distinction not usually material.— In most other cases, ..."

5. The Vicar of Wakefield: A Tale by Oliver Goldsmith (1900)
"... CHAPTER IX Two ladies of great distinction introduced —Superior finery ever seems to confer superior breeding. M's BURCHELL had scarce taken leave, ..."

6. A Treatise on the Law of Agency: Including Not Only a Discussion of the by Floyd Russell Mechem (1914)
"Superior servant distinction.—It has further been held that where one servant, ... The California statute of 1907 adopts this distinction. Judd v. ..."

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