Distinction vs. Distinguish: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 30, 2023
"Distinction" is a noun referring to a difference or excellence, while "distinguish" is a verb meaning to recognize or differentiate between things.
Key Differences
"Distinction" and "distinguish" both revolve around the concept of recognizing differences or separateness. The word "distinction," as a noun, signifies a difference or contrast between similar things. It can also mean a special honor or recognition. For instance, an individual can be given an award with distinction, pointing to the excellence of their achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
"Distinguish," conversely, is a verb. It carries the action of recognizing or treating someone or something as different. When one is able to distinguish between two similar things, they can tell them apart. For example, a wine connoisseur might distinguish between wines from different regions based on taste.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
In a broader sense, "distinction" can denote a level of excellence or prestige. An institution can be known for its distinction in a particular field, marking its superior reputation. On the other hand, "distinguish" goes beyond the realm of identification. One can also be distinguished by standing out or being notable in a certain area.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Notably, "distinction" often has a positive connotation, referring to honor or eminence. However, "distinguish" is more neutral, focusing on the act of differentiating or standing out without necessarily implying superiority or inferiority. To sum up, while "distinction" encapsulates the state or condition of being set apart or superior, "distinguish" conveys the act of perceiving or pointing out differences.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Refers to
A difference, contrast, or excellence
The action of recognizing or differentiating
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Connotation
Often positive, denoting honor or superiority
Neutral, about perceiving differences
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Use in a Sentence
Can be the subject or object
Acts as the main verb in a sentence
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Distinction and Distinguish Definitions
Distinction
A special honor or recognition.
He received a medal of distinction for his service.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
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Distinguish
To discern with the senses or intellect.
He distinguished a faint sound in the distance.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Distinction
A characteristic feature or quality differentiating someone or something.
Her voice had a distinction that was unforgettable.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Distinguish
To recognize or treat as different.
She could easily distinguish the fake from the real diamond.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Distinction
A difference or contrast between similar things.
The distinction between right and wrong is crucial.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Distinguish
To classify or categorize.
The biologist distinguished the species based on their traits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
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Distinction
A rank or status of honor and prestige.
He was a lawyer of great distinction in the community.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Distinguish
To perceive or indicate differences.
It's hard to distinguish between the twins.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Distinction
The act of distinguishing; differentiation
Economists making an ongoing distinction between domestic and foreign markets.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To make oneself prominent or noteworthy.
His skills distinguish him from other players.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Distinction
The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference
"the crucial distinction between education and indoctrination" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To perceive as being different or distinct
Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic
A legal system blind to distinctions of race, gender, and class.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To perceive distinctly; discern
The lookout distinguished the masts of ships on the horizon.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
Excellence or eminence, as of performance, character, or reputation
A diplomat of distinction.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To demonstrate or describe as being different or distinct
A scientist who distinguished four species of the plant.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A special quality or accomplishment conferring uniqueness or honor
Has the distinction of being the tallest in his class.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To be an identifying characteristic of; make noticeable or different
These spices distinguish this style of Asian cooking.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
Recognition of achievement or superiority; honor
Graduated with distinction.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To cause (oneself) to be respected or eminent
They have distinguished themselves as dedicated social workers.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
An award or honor given to someone for outstanding achievement
Won many distinctions while in the military.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To perceive or indicate differences; discriminate
Can the child distinguish between right and wrong?.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.
The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.
Not more distinguished by her purple vest,Than by the charming features of her face.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.
Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man,Than of his outward show.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction.
Your country's own means of distinction and defense.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A discrimination between things as different and distinct;
It is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; - with by or for.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
High status importance owing to marked superiority;
A scholar of great eminence
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; - with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A distinguishing quality;
It has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible.
The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a little knot.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
A distinguishing difference;
He learned the distinction between gold and lead
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinction
An excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.
She graduated with distinction in her studies.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Distinguish
Detect with the senses;
The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
I can't make out the faces in this photograph
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
Distinguish
Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 24, 2022
FAQs
Is "distinction" always a positive term?
Often, "distinction" has a positive connotation, but it can neutrally refer to a difference or contrast.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "distinguish" imply a sense of superiority?
While "distinguish" mainly focuses on differentiation, it can imply prominence or noteworthiness in some contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "distinction" be used to describe things and people?
Yes, "distinction" can describe both things (like features) and people (like honor).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can a person hold multiple distinctions?
Yes, a person can have multiple distinctions, signifying various honors or differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is there a passive form of "distinguish"?
Yes, e.g., "He is distinguished by his achievements."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can institutions receive distinctions?
Yes, institutions can receive distinctions for their excellence or prominence in certain areas.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Does "distinguish" have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include differentiate, discern, and separate, among others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "distinction" be used in academic contexts?
Absolutely, students can graduate "with distinction" based on superior academic performance.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Can "distinction" relate to quality?
Yes, it can indicate a characteristic quality or feature setting someone/something apart.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Does "distinguish" always require two or more things for comparison?
Often it does, but not always. Someone can be "distinguished" by standing out in a field.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is "distinguish" only about seeing differences?
No, "distinguish" can refer to perceiving differences through any sense or intellect.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
How do I use "distinguish" in a sentence?
"Distinguish" can act as a verb, e.g., "She can distinguish flavors expertly."
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Can "distinguish" imply skill or expertise?
Yes, the ability to distinguish finely can imply expertise, e.g., in taste testing or critical analysis.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Can I say "distinguish between" multiple items?
Yes, you can, e.g., "She could distinguish between the three types of tea."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Is "distinction" always visible?
No, distinctions can be in character, quality, reputation, or other non-physical traits.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
