n.1 a the act or an instance of discriminating or distinguishing. b an instance of this. c the difference made by distinguishing.
2 a something that differentiates, e.g. a mark, name, or title. b the fact of being different.
3 special consideration or honour.
4 distinguished character; excellence; eminence (a film of distinction; shows distinction in his bearing).
5 a grade in an examination denoting great excellence (passed with distinction).
Phrases and idioms:
distinction without a difference a merely nominal or artificial distinction.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L distinctio -onis (as DISTINGUISH)