Jun 18, 2026 · The meaning of DISTINCTION is the act of perceiving someone or something as being not the same and often treating as separate or different : the distinguishing of a difference; also : the …

DISTINCTION definition: 1. a difference between two similar things: 2. the quality of being excellent: 3. a mark given to…. Learn more.

Distinction means being set apart, often by excellence. When things are distinct from one another, they are different. It is the distinctions that make them this way.

Definition of distinction noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Learn what distinction means with clear definitions, pronunciation, synonyms, and real-world examples. Simple explanations to help you use distinction correctly.

DISTINCTION meaning: 1. a difference between two similar things: 2. the quality of being excellent: 3. a mark given to…. Learn more.

If you say that someone or something has the distinction of being something, you are drawing attention to the fact that they have the special quality of being that thing. Distinction is normally used to refer to …

Distinction means being set apart, often by excellence. When things are distinct from one another, they are different. It is the distinctions that make them this way.

They should give him the distinction he deserves. He graduated with distinction. [=with special awards or recognition]

There are 14 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun distinction, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.