distinctionn.
/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ a. The action of dividing or fact of being divided; division, partition; separation. (In quot. 1520, division of opinion, dissension.) Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > action of dividing or divided condition > [noun]
partinga1382
distinctiona1387
partition1517
quartering1555
distincting1570
distinguishing1587
dividedness1656
scission1676
dismembering1677
dismemberment1727
splitting1737
repulsion1771
dipartition1838
splitting1847
piecemealing1853
diaeresis1856
fission1865
split-up1878
society > society and the community > dissent > [noun]
unsibeOE
unsaughta1122
un-i-sibc1275
conteckc1290
discordingc1325
distancec1325
discordance1340
dissensionc1384
batea1400
discordc1425
variancec1425
variationc1485
disgreement?1504
distinction1520
factiona1538
jar1546
variety1546
disagreeance1548
disagreeing1548
disagreement1548
misliking1564
odds1567
mislikea1586
discordancy1587
disagree1589
distancy1595
dissent1596
dislike1598
secting1598
dichostasy1606
fraction1609
dissentation1623
ill blood1624
misintelligence1632
clashing1642
misunderstanding1642
discomposure1659
disjointinga1715
uneasiness1744
friction1760
misunderstand1819
unharmony1866
inharmony1867
trouble at (the or t') mill1967
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 111 For distinccioun of dyuers manere men þat woned þere.
1520 Chron. Eng. v. f. 62/1 There was a great dystynccyon, for the Clergy entended to have chose Peres the archebysshop.
1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) i. sig. Y2 There might also be made a distinction of loue, wherein a Simpathy of mindes from man to man..vniteth..their hearts.
1612 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts sig. A3 Else distinctions of the Chapters are not obserued.
1661 R. Boyle Some Consider. Style of Script. (1675) 60 The distinction of chapters and verses now in use.
1668 J. Dryden Of Dramatick Poesie 16 The distinction of it [sc. comedy] into Acts was not known to them.
1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Geogr. i. 541 (heading) Of the Distinction of the Earth.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > [noun]
pointing1440
distinction1552
punctuation1593
punctation1617
interpunctiona1631
stopping1728
interpunctuation1827
subpunctuation1891
society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > [noun] > point or stop
distinction1552
stay1596
stop1598
interpunction1617
punctc1620
punctum1652
interpoint1684
interstinctive point1696
dot1699
interpunctuation1717
guard-stops1866
distinctive1874
interpunct1898
punctus elevatus1951
punctus versus1951
punctus1954
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Distinction or poynte in sentence, diastole, distinctio.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 195 To corrupt it by..wrong distinction or pointing.
a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. ii. ix, in Wks. (1640) III The distinctions of an imperfect Sentence are two, a sub-distinction, and a Comma. [1692: a comma and a semicolon].
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition or fact of being interjacent > [noun] > that which is interjacent > and separates two things > a partition
interclose1344
enterclosea1430
partition1545
distinction1578
membrane1631
septuma1638
diaphragm1660
midriff1660
cloison1693
separationc1720
dispartation1779
separator1881
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 13 Betwene euery tooth are euident distinctions, or hedges.
a. One of the parts into which a whole is divided; a division, section; a class, category.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun] > a kind, sort, or class
kinc950
kindOE
distinction?c1225
rowc1300
spece1303
spice1303
fashionc1325
espicec1386
differencea1398
statec1450
sort?1523
notion1531
species1561
vein1568
brood1581
rank1585
order1588
race1590
breed1598
strain1612
batch1616
tap1623
siege1630
subdivision1646
notionality1651
category1660
denomination1664
footmark1666
genus1666
world1685
sortment1718
tribe1731
assortment1767
description1776
style1794
grouping1799
classification1803
subcategory1842
type1854
basket1916
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 13 Þis boc ich to deale on achte destincciuns þet ȝe cleopeð dalen.
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. (1898) 42 Departand þis booke yn distinccons or bokes.
1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) i. sig. E1v His distinctions are Hortatorie and Dehortatorie, Swasorie & Disswasorie.
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) ii. x. 234 Persons..known to be of that Linage and Descent, and still continuing..in that Distinction.
1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful v. §2. 169 Words..are capable of being classed into more curious distinctions.
1848 M. Kelly tr. Lynch Cambrensis Eversus I. 373 He prepared to recite his work in Oxford..one of the three distinctions of the book being read each day.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > [noun] > distinction of class > level or grade
mannishOE
placec1330
state1340
gree1382
conditionc1384
sectc1384
sortc1386
ordera1400
raff?a1400
degreea1425
countenancec1477
faction?1529
estate1530
race1563
calibre1567
being1579
coat1579
rang1580
rank1585
tier1590
classis1597
strain1600
consequence1602
regiment1602
sept1610
standinga1616
class1629
species1629
nome1633
quality1636
sort1671
size1679
situation1710
distinction1721
walk of life1733
walk1737
stage1801
strata1805
grade1808
caste1816
social stratum1838
station1842
stratum1863
echelon1950
1721 J. Swift Let. to Young Gentleman 6 Among the Clergy of all Distinctions.
1734 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. I. 339 Three hundred young Carthaginians of the first distinction.
a1763 Shenstone (Mason) Societies, ranks, orders, and distinctions amongst men.
3.
a. The action of distinguishing or discriminating; the perceiving, noting, or making a difference between things; discrimination. With a and plural, the result of this action, a difference thus made or appreciated.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [noun] > action of
distinctiona1340
division?c1425
decerninga1535
dignotion1578
differencing1598
discern1599
discernment1615
discrimination1621
refinement1712
differentiation1872
distinguishing1882
differentiating1887
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter lxv. 12 Sayand..i hafe nede of þe, noght þou of me, þis is a right distynccioun.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Rom. iii. 22 The riȝtwysnesse of God is by the feith of Jhesu Crist on alle that bileuen in to hym; forsoth ther is no distynccioun.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) viii. xvi. 323 The sonne hath vertue of dystynccion, for coloures and shappes of thynges by..the lyghte..of the sonne arne knowe and dystynguyd asondre.
1527 W. Tyndale Treat. Justif. by Faith in Wks. I. 46 They rend and tear the scriptures with their distinctions.
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Kvj Al suche argumentes, muste be aduoyded by distinccion, that is, ye must declare the double meanyng in the two proposicions.
1588 A. Fraunce Lawiers Logike i. iii. f. 17v This nice and frivolous distinction of Chaunce and Fortune.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 325 He..is ill-school'd In boulted Language: Meale and Bran together He throwes without distinction . View more context for this quotation
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 78 Punish'd, without any distinction of Sex, Age, or Quality.
1677 Earl of Orrery Treat. Art of War 11 In some places..one may find a distinction from the Cohorts to the Centuries, and from the Centuries to the Manniples.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 62. ⁋4 To cut off their Ears, or Part of them, for Distinction-sake.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. i. 9 (note) Every Body makes a Distinction between Self-love, and the several particular Passions.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) IV. xviii. 104 We may..see that a distinction is drawn between the rule of William himself and the rule of his oppressive lieutenants.
1891 Speaker 2 May 534/1 The old universities are open to all, without distinction of rank or creed.
b. a distinction without a difference: i.e. one artificially or fictitiously made in a case where no real difference exists.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun] > a difference or distinction > types of distinction
a distinction without a difference1579
subdistinction1598
class distinction1843
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 207 The distinction remaineth without a difference.
1688 Vox Cleri Pro Rege 47 It seems his Power is absolute, but not arbitrary, which is..a distinction without a difference.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. lx. 277 Your correspondent..seems to make a distinction without a difference.
1891 Speaker 2 May 532/2 The jugglery of words was never more successful than in this distinction without a difference.
4. The condition or fact of being distinct or different; difference. With a and plural, an instance of this, a difference.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun]
diversitya1340
difference1340
variancec1374
distancea1382
unlikenessa1387
variationc1405
discrepation?a1425
distinction1435
severaltyc1449
unlikelinessc1450
dissemblance1463
unlikelihood1483
alteritya1500
indifferencec1503
discrepancea1522
dissimilitude1532
differency1542
variety1552
discernment1570
disparitya1575
discrepancy1579
otherness1587
discernance1592
imparity1608
disanalogy1610
disresemblance1622
dislikeness1623
diff1624
inconformity1625
irresemblance1628
variousness1628
odds1642
disparation1654
aliety1656
disparility1656
disparateness1659
severality1664
nonconformity1672
unconformableness1712
dissimilarity1715
differentness1727
differ1787
allogeneitya1834
otherwiseness1890
otherliness1937
diversion-
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun] > a difference or distinction
shedc950
diversityc1340
differencea1382
differencea1393
severance1422
distinction1435
discretivec1487
differing1528
unlikeness1561
distinguishment1592
fork1639
discrimen1644
misresemblancea1693
bright line1842
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 15 O godhede..is of iij. persones..euynhede & onhede forsoth haueand after þe substance of þe godhede, not wantand distinccion of diuersite after þe propirte of þe name.
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 492/2 The Jewes & the christen had other differences & dystinccions betwene them.
1678 J. Norris Coll. Misc. (1699) 288 It is a certain sign..of real distinction, when the idea of one thing..positively excludes the idea of the other.
1731 J. Gill Doctr. Trinity (1752) i. 3 Denying a distinction of persons in the Godhead.
1850 R. W. Emerson Plato in Representative Men ii. 68 His patrician tastes laid stress on the distinctions of birth.
1850 J. McCosh Method Divine Govt. (1874) iii. i. 291 The.. process by which the distinction between good and evil is discovered.
5. The faculty of distinguishing or accurately observing differences; discernment, discrimination. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [noun] > faculty of
shedc1000
discretionc1384
tastea1400
discernment1570
distinction1609
distinguishment1642
discrimination1764
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida iii. ii. 25 I doe feare..That I shall loose distinction in my ioyes. View more context for this quotation
a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian i. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Aaaaaaa2v/1 Yet take heed worthy Maximus, all eares Heare not with that distinction mine doe.
1654 A. Cokayne tr. G. F. Loredano Dianea i. 4 The remotenesse of the place he was in afforded him not distinction to discerne from whence they came.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 110 I like a good distinction in my heart.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > clearness, lucidity > [noun]
shireness?c1225
plainnessc1475
distinction1589
dilucidity1603
clarity1616
plain English1645
unmistakableness1665
distinctness1668
lucidness1836
unambiguity1842
lucidity1851
luminosity1865
luminousness1873
non-ambiguity1933
drover's dog1983
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iv. 61 There is no greater difference betwixt a ciuill and brutish vtteraunce then cleare distinction of voices:..the most laudable languages are alwaies most plaine and distinct.
1661 Southwell Let. 19 Sept. in Philos. Trans. 1746 (Royal Soc.) (1747) 44 220 Firing..I heard 56 Reiterations of the Noise. The first twenty were with some Distinction.
1709 G. Berkeley Ess. New Theory of Vision §84. 96 Able to View them..with the utmost Clearness and Distinction.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 454. ⁋6 All the several Voices lost their Distinction, and rose up in a confused Humming.
7. Something that distinguishes or discriminates; a distinguishing quality, mark, or characteristic; a distinguishing name or title.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > [noun]
tokenc1000
distinctionc1374
differencea1398
signeta1425
knowledge?c1475
smell?a1505
markc1522
badge1529
note1583
impress1590
monument1590
type1595
stamp1600
pressure1604
mintage1612
criterion1613
impressa1628
differencer1633
lineament1638
mole1644
discrimination1646
tessera1647
diagnostic1651
monumental1657
discretive1660
signate1662
footmark1666
trait1752
memorandum1766
fingerprint1792
insignia1796
identifier1807
designative1824
cachet1840
differentiator1854
tanga1867
trademark1869
signature1873
totem1875
differential1883
earmarkings1888
paw print1894
discriminator1943
ident1952
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > [noun] > a characteristic
privilegec1225
distinctionc1374
propertyc1390
tachea1400
pointa1425
specialty?a1425
difference?c1425
conditionc1460
markc1522
touch1528
specialty1532
differentia1551
character?1569
formality1570
particularity1585
peculiar1589
accent1591
appropriation1600
characterism1603
peculiarity1606
resemblance1622
propera1626
speciality1625
specificationa1631
appropriament1633
characteristic1646
discrimination1646
diagnostic1651
characteristical1660
stroke1666
talent1670
physiognomya1680
oddity1713
distinctive1816
spécialité1836
trait1864
flavour1866
middle name1905
discriminant1920
discriminator1943
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. ii. pr. v. 32 Þat gemmes drawen to hem self..beaute..thorw the distinccon of hem self.
1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. xi, in Wks. (1874) II. 134 It may be spoken of as..the distinction of the present [age] to profess a contracted spirit.
1772 W. Cowper Let. 4 Feb. (1979) I. 248 The Person was described as the Clerk of the House of Lords, without the Addition of his proper Distinction.
1828 I. D'Israeli Comm. Life Charles I I. iii. 31 From a slender volume of polemical divinity..our Sovereigns still derive one of their regal distinctions.
1848 J. H. Parker Rickman's Styles Archit. Eng. (ed. 5) 33 The capital is the great distinction of this order.
8. The action of distinguishing or treating with special consideration or honour; the showing of a preferential regard; with a and plural, a mark of special appreciation or honour.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > honour > [noun] > conferring of honour
menskinga1400
dignationc1450
extolling1558
enhancement1577
dignification1584
dignifying1630
distinction1715
1715 D. Defoe Family Instructor I. i. iv. 102 She loves you to a distinction above every Child she has.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iv. x. 162 To give so great a Mark of Distinction to a Creature so inferior as I.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. x. 89 The distinctions lately paid us by our betters awaked that pride which I had laid asleep.
1768 Woman of Honour III. 193 There is no great hazard of your distinction of him being lost upon him.
a1780 J. Harris Philol. Inq. (1781) i. iv. 25 For Grammatical Knowledge, we ought to mention with distinction the learned prelate, Dr. Lowth.
1815 J. Scott Visit to Paris (ed. 2) Pref. p. xxx The feeling..which procured him this distinction.
1855 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Philip II of Spain I. iii. iii. 343 Some were beheaded with the sword,—a distinction reserved..for persons of condition.
9.
a. The condition or fact of being distinguished or of distinguishing oneself; excellence or eminence that distinguishes from others; honourable preeminence; elevation of character, rank, or quality; a distinguishing excellence.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > [noun]
hereworda1100
famec1290
lose1297
renownc1330
namecouthhead1340
noblessec1350
namec1384
reputationc1390
emprisea1393
renomeea1393
celebrity?c1400
enpressc1400
notec1400
renowneec1430
flavourc1449
honestnessa1450
bruita1470
renome?1473
famosity1535
famousness1548
renownedness1596
celebration1631
rumour1638
notedness1661
noise1670
distinction1699
eminence1702
éclat1742
baya1764
kudos1831
lionhood1833
lionism1835
lionship1837
lionization1841
stardom1865
spotlight1875
réclame1883
stellardom1883
the big cheesea1910
big time1910
star billing1910
starring1913
megastardom1981
1699 M. Lister Journey to Paris (new ed.) 8 All the Houses of Persons of Distinction are built with Port-cocheres.
1748 tr. P. Lozano True Relation Earthquake Lima 55 Fifty select Persons, all Men of Distinction.
1756 W. Toldervy Hist. Two Orphans III. 85 An application made..to a person of distinction..and the reception that they met with from the said distinct person.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth xi, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 319 Various persons of distinction had come there in his train.
1867 S. Smiles Huguenots Eng. & Ireland x. 236 He had..served with distinction in the French army.
1887 T. Fowler Princ. Morals ii. i. 12 The love of distinction or preeminence..seems, in the great majority of men, to operate far more constantly and with far greater force than the love of knowledge.
1890 Spectator 14 June 829/1 Not only is distinctness from others not in itself distinction, but distinctness from others may often be the very opposite of distinction, indeed, a kind, and a very unpleasant kind, of vulgarity.
1891 Speaker 2 May 533/1 The book..has..more quality and distinction than four-fifths of the novels which come under our notice.
b. The condition or fact of distinguishing oneself by excellence in an examination, as of a degree awarded with distinction; hence, a credit or acknowledgement of excellence awarded to candidates in some examinations who gain more than a certain mark, or otherwise impress the examiners with the high quality of their work; a mark or grade in this category.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > educational administration > examination > [noun] > marks > specific marks
accessit1753
honour1774
credit1802
second class1810
firsta1830
first class1830
third class1844
Hons.1850
max1851
second1852
special mention1886
distinction?1890
A1892
E1892
pass mark1894
two-two1895
alpha1898
alpha plus1898
gamma1898
beta1902
delta1911
alpha minus1914
fourth1914
straight A1926
two-one1937
lower second1960
honourable mention2011
?1890 Univ. Mississippi Catal. 1889–90 33 The University now awards for excellent scholarship, distinctions as follows: 1. Diplomas ‘with Special Distinction’, to all students whose entire record averages 95 or upward. 2. Diplomas ‘with Distinction’, to all such whose entire record averages 90 or upward.
1922 Bull. 31st Ann. Reg. 1921–2 (Stanf.) 109 As a recognition of high scholastic attainment the Bachelor's degree may be granted ‘with distinction’ or ‘with great distinction’.
1946 Summary 57th Ann. Rep. 1945 (Assoc. Board R. Schools Music) p. i Of the 3,662 candidates who passed, 8.85 per cent gained Distinction.
1985 GCSE General Introd. (Dept. of Educ. & Science) 14 The Government has proposed that Distinction and Merit Certificates should be introduced.
Compounds
distinction-maker n. see sense 3.
ΚΠ
1701 W. Paterson Proposals Council of Trade 197 Speaking the same Language, and if the Distinction-makers would let them, having the same Inclinations for the Publick and Common Good.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.?c1225