distinction
gb/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/ us/dɪstˈɪŋkʃən/
B2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
relation
1
A difference between things
A clear way in which people, things, or ideas are not the same.
Usage pattern:
a distinction between [thing1] and [thing2]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'distinction' with 'decision'; remember it refers to difference, not choice.
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.)
Collocations
make a distinction
|draw a distinction
|clear distinction
|important distinction
|sharp distinction
Themes
comparison
|language
|thinking
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There's a clear distinction between fact and opinion.
- The law makes no distinction between adults and minors in this case.
- 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.
- I see a clear distinction between coffee and tea.
- The teacher made a distinction between good and bad answers.
- We must keep a distinction between day and night work.
Noun
B2
entity
2
An honor or award
A special honor or award given to someone for doing something very well.
Usage pattern:
[someone] wins/receives/earns a distinction
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'distinction' here means difference; in this sense, it means an award or honor.
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.)
Collocations
win a distinction
|earn a distinction
|graduate with distinction
|receive a distinction
Themes
education
|achievement
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She graduated with distinction in mathematics.
- He was awarded the highest distinction for his service.
- Winning the prize was a great distinction for the young scientist.
Learner examples
- He finished school with distinction.
- She won a distinction in art.
- They gave him a distinction for his work.
Noun
C1
property
3
A special quality or feature
A special quality that makes someone or something better or different from others.
Usage pattern:
the distinction of [doing something]
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.)
Collocations
have the distinction of
|with the distinction of
Themes
characteristics
|evaluation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has the distinction of being the first woman to win the award.
- The city has the distinction of hosting the oldest marathon in the country.
- He spoke with the distinction of an experienced leader.
Learner examples
- She has the distinction of being the first woman here.
- This town has the distinction of being very old.
- He has the distinction of speaking three languages.
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.