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distinction

When referring to a difference between two things, 'distinction' is often used with the preposition 'between'. When describing someone's excellence or achievement, it is common to use the phrase 'with distinction', which acts as an adverbial phrase meaning 'excellently' or 'with high honors'. In academic contexts, a 'distinction' is a specific grade level, often higher than a 'merit' or 'pass'.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, both sitting in the same open-plan office during a tedious team meeting.
Mark

is david talking about 'branding' or 'identity'? i can't tell the distinction.

Mark
Sarah
Sarah

honestly, he's just yapping. just nod and play dead.

💡
Mark is using 'distinction' to refer to the difference between two similar professional terms. Sarah responds with 'yapping' (slang for talking excessively without saying anything meaningful) and 'play dead' (an idiom meaning to remain inconspicuous or unresponsive to avoid being noticed/assigned work).

Meanings

noun

A difference or contrast between two similar things or people.

"There is a sharp distinction between the two theories."

noun

Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

"She served with distinction during the war."

noun

A grade or honor awarded to a student for high achievement in an examination.

"He passed his piano exam with distinction."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error