1. A discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
   "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation";
   - differentiation
    
2. A distinguishing difference between similar things or people
   "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"
    
3. High status importance owing to marked superiority
   "a scholar of great distinction";
   - eminence, preeminence, note
    
4. An honour awarded to someone in recognition of achievement or superiority
   "she graduated with the highest distinction"

Derived forms: distinctions

Type of: accolade, award, difference, discrimination, high status, honor [US], honour [Brit, Cdn], laurels, secernment

Encyclopedia: Distinction