distinction
English meaning: Distinction
Definition
A distinction is a very high grade given for excellent work. It shows that a student has performed far above the pass level.
Example
“She passed her exams with distinction.”
Another example: “It is important to draw a distinction between a fact and an opinion.”
Usage — When, Where & How
In grading, the highest mark band, awarded for excellent work (common in UK and Australia). Other senses: a clear difference between things ('the distinction between right and wrong'), and honour or fame ('a writer of distinction'). Fairly formal.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'distinctio' meaning a separation or difference.
Related Words
- blurred
- scouting
- exceptional
- nouns
- scout
- plural
- verbs
- singular
- vowel
- drawn
- longest
- difference
Common Collocations
- pass with distinction
- draw a distinction
- make a distinction
- clear distinction
- a man of distinction
Word Forms
distinction (n); distinctions (pl); distinct (adj); distinctive (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B