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Definition of distinction noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

      

    distinction

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//dɪˈstɪŋkʃn//
     
     
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  1. 1[countable] 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. AWL Collocationsdistinctdistinct adjectiveclearly different or of a different kind
    • sufficiently
    • clearly
    • fundamentally, radically
    • wholly
    Mexican culture is sufficiently distinct in ethnic, religious, and linguistic terms to retain its individuality.
    • functionally
    • structurally
    • geographically
    • culturally
    • analytically, logically
    Single-subject research will likely be the best way to extend our research into culturally distinct populations.
    • remain
    • become
    • appear
    These factors suggest that Dominicans probably will remain distinct from the American population as a whole into the twenty-first century.
    • ~ from one another, ~ from each other
    Overall, the two extreme groups were found to be distinct from each other in nearly every characteristic considered.
    • ~ from something
    Art that is appreciated for its beauty is distinct from art that produces items for practical use, such as furniture.distinction nouna clear difference or contrast, especially between two things that are similar or related
    • clear, sharp
    • subtle
    • crucial, fundamental, important
    • conceptual
    However, subtle distinctions can generally be made between these species.
    • blur
    • clarify
    • collapse, elide
    Both books elide distinctions between nature and human society.
    • draw, make
    The authors note that respondents make a sharp distinction between religion and spirituality.distinctive adjectivehaving a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed
    • highly, particularly, truly
    • sufficiently
    • individually
    • culturally
    We marked each bird with an individually distinctive combination of colored leg bands.
    • feature, characteristic
    The most distinctive feature of these costumes is the striped, fringed skirt, woven from flax.
  2. 2[uncountable] the quality of being excellent or important a writer of distinction
  3. 3[singular] the quality of being something that is special She had the distinction of being the first woman to fly the Atlantic.
  4. 4[uncountable] distinction (between A and B) 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. 5[countable, uncountable] a special grade or award that is given to someone, especially a student, for excellent work He graduated with distinction.
See distinction in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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