distinction etymology

Etymology

The word "distinction" derives from the Latin verb "distinguere," which means "to distinguish, to make a difference, to separate."

Meaning and Origin

Meaning

• The act or process of differentiating between two or more things.
• A difference or disparity in quality, characteristic, or value.
• A mark or characteristic that sets a person or thing apart.
• An honor or award given to someone for outstanding achievement.

Origin

The word "distinction" has been in use in the English language since the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word "destinguissier," which itself is derived from the Latin "distinguere." The earliest known use of "distinction" in English can be traced back to the late 1300s.

Usage

The word "distinction" can be used in various contexts:

• To differentiate: "The teacher made a distinction between the two types of adjectives."
• To separate: "The judge issued a distinction between the defendant and the co-defendant."
• To mark apart: "The award was given as a distinction for their exceptional contributions."
• To honor: "He was awarded the highest distinction for his service to the country."

Synonyms

• Difference
• Disparity
• Contrast
• Award
• Honor
• Recognition

distinction relate terms

• distinguish

  Etymology Study of the history of words Examines the origin development and changes in

• extinguish

  Etymology Latin extinguere to put out quench Indo European root steg to cov

• admonish

  Etymology From Old French admonester from Medieval Latin admonestāre from Latin admo

• astonish

  Etymology Origin Old French estonir to stun amaze bewilder Latin ex out awa

• contradistinction

  Etymology The word contradistinction is derived from two Latin words contra again

• distinction

  Etymology The word distinction derives from the Latin verb distinguere which means

• eminence

  Etymology The word eminence is derived from the Latin word eminentia which means ri

• note

  Etymology Note comes from the Latin word nota meaning mark or sign Meaning A

• pre eminence

  Etymology Pre prefix Before or superior to Eminent adjective Prominent distinguish

• laureate

  Etymology Derived from the Latin word laureatus meaning crowned with laurel Laur

• cordon

  Etymology Old French cordon cordun Late Latin cordo From Vulgar Latin chorda from Gre

• only

  Etymology Etymology n comes from the Greek words étymos meaning true and lóg

• jetsam

  Etymology Middle English jetteson gettisoun Old English ġiet meaning anything c

• difference

  Etymology Difference comes from the Old French word dif f érence which in turn deriv

• demarcation

  Etymology demarcation noun late 17th century from French from Late Latin demarcati

• king

  Etymology Old English cyning pronounced kuh ning Proto Germanic kuningaz Proto