Distinction vs. Ability
Distinction and Ability Definitions
Distinction
The act of distinguishing; differentiation
Economists making an ongoing distinction between domestic and foreign markets.
Ability
The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
Distinction
The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference
"the crucial distinction between education and indoctrination" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Ability
A skill, talent, or capacity
A student of many abilities.
Distinction
A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic
A legal system blind to distinctions of race, gender, and class.
Ability
The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment
The ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.
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Distinction
Excellence or eminence, as of performance, character, or reputation
A diplomat of distinction.
Ability
(obsolete) Suitableness.
Distinction
A special quality or accomplishment conferring uniqueness or honor
Has the distinction of being the tallest in his class.
Ability
(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.
This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.
Distinction
Recognition of achievement or superiority; honor
Graduated with distinction.
Ability
The legal wherewithal to act.
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Distinction
An award or honor given to someone for outstanding achievement
Won many distinctions while in the military.
Ability
Physical power.
Distinction
That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
Ability
(archaic) Financial ability.
Distinction
The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking.
Ability
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
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Distinction
Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
She had the distinction of meeting the Queen.
Ability
(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.
They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.
She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.
A mixed-ability class
Distinction
A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.
The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known.
Ability
The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; - in the plural, faculty, talent.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren.
Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study.
The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability.
Distinction
The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination.
To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite.
Ability
The quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
Distinction
That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good.
The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter.
Ability
Possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;
Danger heightened his powers of discrimination
Distinction
Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.
Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall.
Distinction
Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction.
Your country's own means of distinction and defense.
Distinction
A discrimination between things as different and distinct;
It is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation
Distinction
High status importance owing to marked superiority;
A scholar of great eminence
Distinction
A distinguishing quality;
It has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town
Distinction
A distinguishing difference;
He learned the distinction between gold and lead
