distinction
What sets apart
Distinction refers to a difference or contrast that sets things apart: The law makes no distinction between violent and nonviolent offenders.
It also means excellence or eminence that elevates someone above others: She graduated with distinction.
A person of distinction has achieved notable recognition in their field.
The phrase a distinction without a difference describes a supposed contrast that is meaningless in practice.
To draw or make a distinction is to identify and articulate what separates one thing from another.
One's relative position
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- standingPosition, physical or social
- prominenceNotable status or visibility
renown · stature · nobility · dignity · rank · class · privilege · elite
Higher rank or quality
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- brillianceExceptional intelligence or luster
- masteryComplete skill or control
- virtuosityExceptional technical skill
preeminence · greatness · caliber · quality · refinement · sophistication · finesse · artistry
Recognizing meaningful differences
- dissimilarityState of being unlike
- disparityMeasurable difference between things
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- contrastNotable difference between things
separation · variation · uniqueness · heterogeneity · dichotomy · polarity · opposition · antithesis
Expression of high esteem
- awardHonor given for merit
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- medalMetal honor token
tribute · decoration · laurel · citation · acclaim · achievement · accomplishment · merit
Statement of meaning
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- lucidityClearness of mind
- explicitnessQuality of being unambiguous
perspicuity · clearness · articulation · specificity · exactness · refinement · discrimination · discernment
status
One's relative position
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- standingPosition, physical or social
prominence · renown · stature · nobility · dignity · rank · class · privilege · elite · aristocracy
superiority
Higher rank or quality
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- brillianceExceptional intelligence or luster
- masteryComplete skill or control
virtuosity · preeminence · greatness · caliber · quality · refinement · sophistication · finesse · artistry · prowess
differentiation
Recognizing meaningful differences
- dissimilarityState of being unlike
- disparityMeasurable difference between things
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
contrast · separation · variation · uniqueness · heterogeneity · dichotomy · polarity · opposition · antithesis · discrepancy
accolade
Expression of high esteem
- awardHonor given for merit
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- commendationFormal expression of approval
medal · tribute · decoration · laurel · citation · acclaim · achievement · accomplishment · merit · praise
definition
Statement of meaning
explicitness · perspicuity · clearness · articulation · specificity · exactness · refinement · discrimination · discernment · acuity
- Credentialscredential, credentials, degree, diploma, certificate
- Differentiationspecialization, contrast, separation, variation, divergence
- fine linesnuance, subtlety, gray area, borderline, differentiation
- standingstanding, status, stature, reputation, position
- collegecampus, courses, application, dorms, dorm room
- above averageexcellent, superior, exceptional, outstanding, remarkable
distinctionsimilarity
State of being alike
sameness · indistinction · resemblance · likeness · uniformity
distinctionmediocrity
Quality of being average
inferiority · ordinariness · averageness · disgrace · obscurity
distinctionanonymity
Unknown identity state
obscurity · conformity · ordinariness · commonness · unimportance
- distinctive marksFeatures enabling identification
- distinctive featuresIdentifying traits or qualities
- class distinctionHierarchy based on status
- distinctive voiceRecognizable individual vocal quality
- fine distinctionsSubtle, precise differences
- with distinctionExceptionally well
distinctive, distinctions, distinctiveness, distinctively, indistinctive