distinction
gb/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/ us/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
B2
English
~ 2000
különbség, kitüntetés, elismerés, különlegesség
NOUN
B2
1
különbség
A2
Usage pattern:
a distinction between [thing1] and [thing2]
There's a clear distinction between fact and opinion.
Világos különbség van a tény és a vélemény között.
The law makes no distinction between adults and minors in this case.
A törvény ebben az esetben nem tesz különbséget a felnőttek és a kiskorúak között.
She failed to draw a distinction between the two concepts.
We should be careful to maintain a distinction between work and personal life.
Learner examples
There is a big distinction between cats and dogs.
Nagy különbség van a macskák és a kutyák között.
I see a clear distinction between coffee and tea.
Világos különbséget látok a kávé és a tea között.
The teacher made a distinction between good and bad answers.
We must keep a distinction between day and night work.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'distinction' with 'decision'; remember it refers to difference, not choice.
Meaning
A difference between things
Collocations
make a distinction
|draw a distinction
|clear distinction
|important distinction
|sharp distinction
Synonyms
difference (The most general term for when two or more things are not the same; 'distinction' often implies a more precise or significant difference.)
Antonyms
similarity (Refers to things being alike, the opposite of highlighting differences.)
Themes
comparison
|language
|thinking
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A clear way in which people, things, or ideas are not the same.
A noticeable difference or contrast between people, things, or ideas.
NOUN
B2
2
kitüntetés
B2
elismerés
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] wins/receives/earns a distinction
She graduated with distinction in mathematics.
Kitüntetéssel diplomázott matematikából.
He was awarded the highest distinction for his service.
Szolgálatáért a legmagasabb kitüntetésben részesítették.
Winning the prize was a great distinction for the young scientist.
Learner examples
He finished school with distinction.
Kitűnő eredménnyel fejezte be az iskolát.
She won a distinction in art.
Művészeti munkájáért elismerést kapott.
They gave him a distinction for his work.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'distinction' here means difference; in this sense, it means an award or honor.
Meaning
An honor or award
Collocations
win a distinction
|earn a distinction
|graduate with distinction
|receive a distinction
Synonyms
honor (A broad term for recognition or respect; 'distinction' often implies formal or official recognition.)
Antonyms
disgrace (The opposite of receiving respect or honor; public shame.)
Themes
education
|achievement
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A special honor or award given to someone for doing something very well.
An honor, award, or special recognition given to someone for excellence or achievement.
NOUN
C1
3
Usage pattern:
the distinction of [doing something]
She has the distinction of being the first woman to win the award.
Az a különlegessége, hogy ő az első nő, aki elnyerte a díjat.
The city has the distinction of hosting the oldest marathon in the country.
A város különlegessége, hogy itt rendezik az ország legrégebbi maratonját.
He spoke with the distinction of an experienced leader.
Learner examples
She has the distinction of being the first woman here.
Az a különlegessége, hogy itt ő az első nő.
This town has the distinction of being very old.
Ennek a városnak az a különlegessége, hogy nagyon régi.
He has the distinction of speaking three languages.
Meaning
A special quality or feature
Collocations
have the distinction of
|with the distinction of
Synonyms
excellence (A high standard of quality; 'distinction' emphasizes uniqueness as well as quality.)
Antonyms
mediocrity (The state of being average and lacking special qualities.)
Themes
characteristics
|evaluation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A special quality that makes someone or something better or different from others.
A quality that sets someone or something apart in a positive way.
Grammar
Dictionary form
distinction
IPA
GB/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
US/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
Syllables & stress
dis - tinc - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tinc)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: distinction
- Plural: distinction, distinctions
Word family
Forms
distinctions
noun
Core family
Related words
distinguishable
adjective
distinguished
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
distinctiveness
noun
Expressions
draw a distinction
1/dɹˈɔ ə dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
fixed phrase
Emphasize a difference
To clearly talk about how two things are different.
Examples
- The author draws a sharp distinction between justice and revenge.
- We must draw a distinction between mistakes and deliberate wrongdoing.
graduate with distinction
1/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuɪt wˈɪθ dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
fixed phrase
Finish studies with honors
To finish school or university with very high grades or honors.
Examples
- She graduated with distinction from Harvard University.
- Only the top 5% of students graduate with distinction.
make a distinction
1/mˈeɪk ə dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
fixed phrase
Show how things differ
To show or say clearly how two things are not the same.
Examples
- It's important to make a distinction between criticism and insult.
- The report makes a clear distinction between fact and speculation.