Meaning & use
distinction
Last updated
A clear difference or contrast between two similar things, or outstanding excellence that sets something apart.
See it in a sentence
There's an important distinction between confidence and arrogance.
She graduated with distinction after years of hard work.
A note on using this word
Distinction covers two related ideas: drawing a line between two things, and being recognized as exceptional, as in "a scholar of great distinction."
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
similarity
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