distinction : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: distinction	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for distinction
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
distinction n a discrimination between things as different and distinct; "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation" Synonym(s): differentiation, distinction high status importance owing to marked superiority; "a scholar of great eminence" Synonym(s): eminence, distinction, preeminence, note a distinguishing quality; "it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town" a distinguishing difference; "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Distinction \Distinc"tion\, n. [L. distinctio: cf. F. distinction.] 1. A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division. [Obs.] 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. Syn: Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence.