/ dɪˈstɪŋkʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C ] distinction (between A and B) a clear difference or contrast especially between people or things that are similar or related :
distinctions between traditional and modern societies
Philosophers did not use to make a distinction between arts and science.
We need to draw a distinction between the two events.
2.
[ U ] the quality of being excellent or important :
a writer of distinction
3.
[ sing. ] the quality of being sth that is special :
She had the distinction of being the first woman to fly the Atlantic.
4.
[ U ] the separation of people or things into different groups :
The new law makes no distinction between adults and children (= treats them equally) .
All groups are entitled to this money without distinction .
5.
[ C , U ] a special mark / grade or award that is given to sb, especially a student, for excellent work :
Naomi got a distinction in maths.
He graduated with distinction .
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense subdivision, category ): via Old French from Latin distinctio(n-) , from the verb distinguere , from dis- apart + stinguere put out.