A mark of notable excellence, or a clear difference that separates one thing from another.
Reach for it when recognizing earned excellence or naming an important dividing line
The academy honored Pavel's distinction in both teaching and field research.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
everyday
difference
Fits when two things simply need to be separated in thought
Careful Difference lacks distinction's possible sense of merit.
warm
Fits when enthusiastic public praise is the result
Careful Acclaim measures reaction, not the quality that earned it.
warm
Fits when public esteem or an award is central
Careful An honor can be ceremonial without proving unusual achievement.
professional
contrast
Fits when opposing features become visible side by side
Careful Contrast may be dramatic even when no precise category boundary exists.
professional
differentiation
Fits when a process establishes separate categories
Careful The technical term is unsuitable for honoring a person.
professional
Fits when outstanding quality alone is being praised
Careful Excellence does not include the recognition or differentiating mark of distinction.
formal
Fits when high standing within a field has developed over time
Careful Eminence is too lofty for a single excellent result.
literary
laurels
Fits when poetic recognition of achievement suits the tone
Careful Laurels can sound self-congratulatory and refer to past success.
with distinction
Amira completed the demanding apprenticeship with distinction.
clear distinction
The guide draws a clear distinction between repair and reconstruction.
distinction in
His distinction in community medicine never weakened his humility.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.