dis ‧ tinc ‧ tion W3 AC /dɪˈstɪŋkʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ distinction ; adverb : ↑ distinctly ≠ ↑ indistinctly ; adjective : ↑ distinct ≠ ↑ indistinct ]
1 . DIFFERENCE [uncountable and countable] a clear difference or separation between two similar things
distinction between
the distinction between formal and informal language
clear/sharp distinction
There is often no clear distinction between an allergy and food intolerance.
make/draw a distinction
The Act makes no distinction between children and adults (=it treats them as if they were the same) .
REGISTER
In written English, people often use draw a distinction rather than make a distinction , because it sounds more formal:
▪
The law draws a distinction between temporary and permanent employees.
2 . EXCELLENCE [uncountable] the quality of being excellent and important:
Eliot’s distinction as a poet
3 . BEING SPECIAL [singular] the quality of being special in some way
have/earn/achieve etc the distinction of doing something
At that time, it had the distinction of being the largest bridge in the UK.
The US enjoys the dubious distinction of being the lawsuit capital of the world.
4 . RESULT [uncountable and countable] a special mark given to a student whose work is excellent
with distinction
He obtained a law doctorate with distinction.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ make a distinction ( also draw a distinction formal ) (=say or show that one exists)
It isn’t easy to make a distinction between these two words.
▪ blur the distinction between something and something (=make it less clear)
Both sides in the war had been blurring the distinction between military and civilian targets.
▪ see a distinction (=recognize that one exists)
He saw no distinction between religious beliefs and superstition.
■ adjectives
▪ a clear distinction
The legal system makes a clear distinction between adults and children.
▪ a fine/subtle distinction (=small)
Language enables us to make fine distinctions between similar ideas.
▪ a sharp distinction (=very clear)
The President drew a sharp distinction between his party and the Republican Party.
▪ an important/crucial distinction
There is an important distinction between these two types of cancer.
▪ a fundamental distinction (=a basic one)
There is a fundamental distinction between authors and readers.
▪ a useful distinction
He makes a useful distinction between the two theories.