Distinguish vs. Distinction — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
Distinguish involves recognizing differences between items, whereas distinction refers to a notable difference or excellence. Both entail recognition of unique qualities.
Difference Between Distinguish and Distinction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Distinguish primarily deals with the action or ability to identify and perceive the differences between two or more entities. For example, distinguishing between colors requires an understanding of their unique characteristics. On the other hand, distinction often relates to a state of being distinguished by specific, noteworthy characteristics or achievements. It implies a level of excellence or superiority that sets someone or something apart from others.
Distinguishing can apply to both physical and abstract differences, such as distinguishing between tastes or ideas. This process involves analytical skills and perception. Whereas distinction, in many contexts, is attributed to people, organizations, or entities that have achieved a high level of respect or recognition in their field, showcasing their outstanding qualities.
In the context of personal achievements, to distinguish oneself means to perform in a way that sets one apart from others, highlighting individual capabilities or qualities. Whereas earning a distinction in academic and professional settings indicates achieving excellence beyond the standard requirements, marking an individual’s work as exceptional.
Distinguish is often used as a verb in various tenses to describe the act of differentiation or recognition, indicating an ongoing or completed action. On the other hand, distinction is commonly used as a noun, representing a state or condition of being distinguished by particular attributes.
While distinguishing requires cognitive effort to discern differences or similarities, leading to a clearer understanding or decision-making, distinction is a recognition or honor that results from being distinguished. It reflects a cumulative outcome of efforts, talents, or qualities.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb (e.g., to distinguish)
Noun (e.g., a distinction)
Primary Focus
Process of identifying differences
Notable difference or excellence
Context of Use
Analytical or perceptive action
Recognition of excellence or honor
Outcome
Clarity or differentiation
Honor, recognition, or superior status
Examples of Usage
Distinguishing between flavors
Earning a distinction in academia
Compare with Definitions
Distinguish
To perceive or point out a difference.
He distinguished the sound of a violin in the orchestra.
Distinction
A notable difference between things.
The distinction between right and wrong is not always clear.
Distinguish
To recognize or treat as different.
She can distinguish the scent of pine from cedar easily.
Distinction
A distinguishing mark or feature.
The bird's red feathers are a distinction from its counterparts.
Distinguish
To classify or categorize.
Biologists distinguish species based on specific criteria.
Distinction
The state of being excellent and recognized.
The restaurant gained its distinction through unique dishes.
Distinguish
To mark as separate or different.
The artist's unique style distinguishes her from her contemporaries.
Distinction
An award or honor for excellence.
She graduated with distinction from the university.
Distinguish
To make oneself noteworthy.
She distinguished herself in the field of medicine.
Distinction
Excellence that sets someone or something apart.
His work has a level of distinction that's rare in the industry.
Distinguish
Recognize or treat (someone or something) as different
The child is perfectly capable of distinguishing reality from fantasy
Distinction
The act of distinguishing; differentiation
Economists making an ongoing distinction between domestic and foreign markets.
Distinguish
Manage to discern (something barely perceptible)
It was too dark to distinguish anything more than their vague shapes
Distinction
The condition or fact of being dissimilar or distinct; difference
"the crucial distinction between education and indoctrination" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Distinguish
Make oneself worthy of respect by one's behaviour or achievements
Many distinguished themselves in the fight against Hitler
Distinction
A distinguishing factor, attribute, or characteristic
A legal system blind to distinctions of race, gender, and class.
Distinguish
To perceive as being different or distinct
Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?.
Distinction
Excellence or eminence, as of performance, character, or reputation
A diplomat of distinction.
Distinguish
To perceive distinctly; discern
The lookout distinguished the masts of ships on the horizon.
Distinction
A special quality or accomplishment conferring uniqueness or honor
Has the distinction of being the tallest in his class.
Distinguish
To demonstrate or describe as being different or distinct
A scientist who distinguished four species of the plant.
Distinction
Recognition of achievement or superiority; honor
Graduated with distinction.
Distinguish
To be an identifying characteristic of; make noticeable or different
These spices distinguish this style of Asian cooking.
Distinction
An award or honor given to someone for outstanding achievement
Won many distinctions while in the military.
Distinguish
To cause (oneself) to be respected or eminent
They have distinguished themselves as dedicated social workers.
Distinction
That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
Distinguish
To perceive or indicate differences; discriminate
Can the child distinguish between right and wrong?.
Distinction
The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking.
Distinguish
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
Distinction
Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
She had the distinction of meeting the Queen.
Distinguish
To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.
Distinction
A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.
The distinction of tragedy into acts was not known.
Distinguish
To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.
Distinction
The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination.
To take away therefore that error, which confusion breedeth, distinction is requisite.
Distinguish
To make to differ.
Distinction
That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good.
The distinction betwixt the animal kingdom and the inferior parts of matter.
Distinguish
Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.
Not more distinguished by her purple vest,Than by the charming features of her face.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine.
Distinction
Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.
Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall.
Distinguish
To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth.
Distinction
Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction.
Your country's own means of distinction and defense.
Distinguish
To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man,Than of his outward show.
Distinction
A discrimination between things as different and distinct;
It is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation
Distinguish
To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee?
Distinction
High status importance owing to marked superiority;
A scholar of great eminence
Distinguish
To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; - with by or for.
Distinction
A distinguishing quality;
It has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town
Distinguish
To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; - with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.
Distinction
A distinguishing difference;
He learned the distinction between gold and lead
Distinguish
To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible.
The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a little knot.
Distinguish
Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple
Distinguish
Detect with the senses;
The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
I can't make out the faces in this photograph
Distinguish
Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers
Distinguish
Make conspicuous or noteworthy
Distinguish
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Common Curiosities
How do you use 'distinguish' in a sentence?
"He could easily distinguish the counterfeit bills from the real ones."
Is distinction always positive?
Yes, distinction generally refers to positive recognition or excellence.
Is it important to distinguish between facts and opinions?
Yes, distinguishing between facts and opinions is crucial for critical thinking and informed decision-making.
How do distinctions enhance a professional career?
Distinctions can enhance a professional career by providing recognition and credibility.
What role does distinguishing play in learning?
Distinguishing plays a critical role in learning by helping individuals understand and categorize information.
What is a distinction?
A distinction is a state or fact of being distinguished by superior quality or achievement.
What makes a distinction significant?
Its significance comes from the recognition of excellence or superiority it represents.
Can a product have a distinction?
Yes, a product can have a distinction if it is recognized for excellence or uniqueness.
Can a person be a distinction?
While a person cannot be a distinction, they can achieve distinction through their accomplishments.
What does it mean to distinguish something?
To distinguish something means to recognize or identify it as different from other things.
What is the difference between distinguish and differentiate?
Distinguish involves recognizing distinct traits, while differentiate often implies showing or marking differences clearly.
Can animals distinguish colors?
Some animals can distinguish colors, depending on their species and biological capabilities.
Can one distinguish oneself in any field?
Yes, with dedication and talent, one can distinguish oneself in virtually any field.
Are distinctions always awarded formally?
No, distinctions can be informal recognition as well, though formal awards are common.
Is a distinction always related to academic achievements?
No, distinctions can relate to achievements in various areas, including professional, artistic, and personal endeavors.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
