Distinction

n.capable, joyfulformal

What it means

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
difference
when two things simply need to be separated in thought
not when Difference lacks distinction's possible sense of merit.
warm
acclaim
when enthusiastic public praise is the result
not when Acclaim measures reaction, not the quality that earned it.
warm
honor
when public esteem or an award is central
not when An honor can be ceremonial without proving unusual achievement.
professional
contrast
when opposing features become visible side by side
not when Contrast may be dramatic even when no precise category boundary exists.
professional
differentiation
when a process establishes separate categories
not when The technical term is unsuitable for honoring a person.
professional
excellence
when outstanding quality alone is being praised
not when Excellence does not include the recognition or differentiating mark of distinction.
formal
eminence
when high standing within a field has developed over time
not when Eminence is too lofty for a single excellent result.
literary
laurels
when poetic recognition of achievement suits the tone
not when 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.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.