noun
distinction
dih-STINK-shuhn/dɪˈstɪŋkʃn/
A distinguishing quality that sets something apart.
The handle is the main distinction between these two cups.
Etymology
The root meant separating or marking things off. From the action of recognizing distinguishing marks, distinction came to name the difference itself—the feature that keeps otherwise similar things conceptually separate.
In context
a change in the crest itself is often the only only Mark of distinction between different branches of the same family
More examples
- The main distinction between these jackets is their waterproof lining.
- She draws a clear distinction between facts and opinions.
- Small distinctions in flavor help us identify each variety of apple.
Forms
distinction · distinctions
distinctive adjective — Having a quality that sets something apart.
distinguish verb — To recognize or show differences between things.
Similar words
- difference
- Broader term for any way things are unlike each other.
- characteristic
- Names a feature without necessarily contrasting it with others.