distinction
distinction — noun
1. A point of difference or contrast observed between two otherwise similar items,
A point of difference or contrast observed between two otherwise similar items, often one that a person deliberately identifies or explains.
Putri struggled to see the distinction between the two shades of blue paint.
distinction + between + noun + and + noun
Under UK law, judges make a clear distinction between children aged twelve and older teenagers during sentencing.
make a distinction between [group A] and [group B]
Hyun showed his class the distinction between a coral snake and its harmless lookalike by comparing nose colours.
Many voters in the debate found it hard to see a distinction between the two candidates on healthcare policy.
Chidi drew a careful distinction between quoting a source and taking credit for someone else's words.
- difference
Broader and more neutral; any way things are not the same, not necessarily a fine point
- contrast
Emphasizes strong, clear opposition between two things (the contrast between light and dark)
- gap
Suggests a large or meaningful separation (the gap between rich and poor)
- similarity
A point of likeness rather than difference
文法句型
distinction + between + noun + and + noun
draw/make + a + distinction + between
用法筆記
Frequently paired with verbs that introduce or remove the difference: 'draw', 'make', 'blur', 'see', 'recognize'. The noun is usually followed by 'between X and Y'.
常見錯誤
2. A very high level of quality, excellence, or superior performance that makes som
A very high level of quality, excellence, or superior performance that makes someone or something stand out in a particular field.
Sivan achieved great distinction as a violinist before the age of twenty.
achieve distinction as a [role]
The history faculty at Melbourne is respected for its academic distinction and detailed research on Southeast Asia.
academic distinction
Naoko served with such distinction that she received a special medal.
The architecture firm's reputation for design distinction attracts clients from across East Asia.
Aylin achieved professional distinction after publishing a landmark study on coral reef ecosystems.
- excellence
Straightforward and common; focuses on quality rather than recognition
- superiority
Stronger and more comparative; implies being better than others
- prestige
Emphasizes the respect and reputation that come with high quality rather than the quality itself
- mediocrity
Average or ordinary quality — the opposite of standing out for excellence
文法句型
noun + of + distinction
achieve/earn + distinction
with + distinction
用法筆記
Common in formal evaluations of professional or creative work. 'A person of distinction' is a set phrase meaning someone highly respected in their field.
常見錯誤
3. An official grade or mark awarded to a student whose work meets the highest stan
An official grade or mark awarded to a student whose work meets the highest standard, especially in a British-style education system.
Tyler graduated with a distinction in his master's programme last summer.
graduate with a distinction in [subject/programme]
The exam board awarded Heloísa a distinction for her final-year project.
award + a distinction + for [work]
Only the top five per cent of engineering students at Oxford receive a distinction in the final exams.
Vikram needs to score at least eighty per cent on his final thesis to get a distinction in the programme.
Lucía was thrilled to receive a distinction for her dissertation and added it to her CV right away.
文法句型
graduate + with + (a) + distinction
receive + (a) + distinction + for
get + (a) + distinction
用法筆記
Used mainly in British and Commonwealth education systems. In UK universities, postgraduate degrees may be classified as 'Pass', 'Merit', or 'Distinction'. At undergraduate level, 'First Class Honours' is more common, though some institutions also award 'Distinction'.
常見錯誤
4. A notable quality or feature that makes someone or something clearly different f
A notable quality or feature that makes someone or something clearly different from other similar people or things, often in a positive way.
The café's only distinction is that it serves coffee until midnight.
only distinction — limiting collocation
The Hakka and Hokkien dialects each have their own distinction in pronunciation and cultural history.
Reuben's main distinction as a writer is his unique use of metaphors.
The garden's chief distinction is its collection of rare orchids.
Sven said the town has no real distinction — it looks like every other place.
- specialness
Less formal and broader; does not necessarily imply comparison with others
- particularity
More formal and technical; emphasises unique specific details
- individuality
Focuses on the combination of traits that make someone one of a kind
- ordinariness
The state of being unremarkable or average
文法句型
possessive + + distinction
the + noun + 's + distinction
main/only/chief + distinction
用法筆記
Often used with possessive determiners or 's ('its distinction', 'the town's distinction'). Frequently appears in negative or limiting contexts ('the only distinction', 'no real distinction').