# distinction

> English word · Noun · IPA /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ · frequency rank #6,044

## Definitions
1. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
3. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.
4. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.

## 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.

## Easily confused with
- **distinctive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/distinction-vs-distinctive)
- **distraction** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/distinction-vs-distraction)
- **destination** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/destination-vs-distinction)

## Common misspellings (18)
`ddistinction`, `disitnction`, `disstinction`, `disticntion`, `distincction`, `distinciton`, `distincsion`, `distinctino`, `distinctionn`, `distinctoin`, `distincttion`, `distinnction`, `distintcion`, `distniction`, `disttinction`, `ditsinction`, `dsitinction`, `idstinction`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/distinction