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1. Dictionary

   distinction

   /dɪˈstɪŋ(k)ʃn/

   noun

   • 1. a difference or contrast between similar things or people: "there is a sharp distinction between what is work and what is leisure" Similar differencecontrastdissimilaritydissimilitudedivergencevariancevariationdivisionseparationdifferentiationcontradistinctiondiscriminationsegregationdividing linegulfgapchasmOpposite similarity
   • ▪ the separation of people or things into different groups according to their characteristics: "high interest rates strike down, without distinction, small businesses and the unemployed"
   • 2. excellence that sets someone or something apart from others: "a novelist of distinction" Similar importancesignificancenoteconsequenceaccountrenownfamecelebrityprominenceeminencepre-eminencereputereputationhonourprestigestatushigh standingillustriousnessnamemarkrankmeritworthgreatnessexcellencegloryqualitysuperiorityOpposite mediocrity
   • ▪ a decoration or honour awarded to someone: "he gained the highest distinction awarded for excellence in photography" Similar honourcreditexcellencemerit
   • ▪ a grade in an examination denoting excellence: "she gained a distinction in her diploma"

   Word Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘subdivision, category’): via Old French from Latin distinctio(n-), from the verb distinguere (see distinguish).

   Scrabble Points: 14

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