distinction

Definition

That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.

Etymology

From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested from the 12th century), borrowed from Latin distinctiōnem, action noun of distinguō (“separate, distinguish”). Attested in English from the late 14th century.

Example Sentences

• "The proper course for me, gentlemen of the jury, is to deal first with the earliest charges that have been falsely brought against me, and with my earliest accursers; and then with the later ones. I make this distinction because […]"
• "There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking."
• "We must always make a distinction that right versus wrong is different from legal and illegal."

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