distinction

Everyday

1. A distinction is a clear difference between two things. tree →
2. A distinction is a high mark or grade for excellent work. tree →
3. Distinction is being special or excellent: a writer of distinction. tree →

In the lessons

In school exams a distinction is the top grade (like a merit, but higher). In English and science lessons pupils make a distinction between fact and opinion, or between living and non-living. Phrases: make a distinction, pass with distinction, draw a distinction.

Examples

• What is the distinction between a frog and a toad? tree →
• She passed her music exam with distinction. tree →
• We must make a distinction between fact and opinion. tree →
• He had the distinction of being the youngest player. tree →
• The distinction between the twins was hard to see. tree →
• (formal) Candidates achieving distinction will receive a certificate. tree →
• But let me find, when you enjoy honor and distinction, that you possess a grateful heart.” tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective: distinct (clearly different), distinctive (easy to recognise). «With distinction» = with excellence, top marks.

In Jewish tradition

In school exams a distinction is the top grade (like a merit, but higher). In English and science lessons pupils make a distinction between fact and opinion, or between living and non-living. Phrases: make a distinction, pass with distinction, draw a distinction.

Examples

• The Samaritans still to this day preserve a tradition allowing Resh to occur in both single and double forms, bearing a distinction comparable to the difference between the Spanish single r of pero and double rr of perro.] Taw-Thaw. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective: distinct (clearly different), distinctive (easy to recognise). «With distinction» = with excellence, top marks.