distinction

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem, action noun of distinguō (“separate, distinguish”). By surface analysis, distinct (“to distinguish”) +‎ -ion. Attested in English from the late 14th century. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ === Noun === distinction (countable and uncountable, plural distinctions) That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type. (specifically) A feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; the quality of being distinguished. ==== Antonyms ==== (antonym(s) of “that which distinguishes”): confusion ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== == French == === Etymology === Inherited from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /dis.tɛ̃k.sjɔ̃/ Rhymes: -ɔ̃ Homophone: distinctions === Noun === distinction f (plural distinctions) distinction (difference, honour) ==== Related terms ==== distinct distinguer === Further reading === “distinction”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012