distinctions

Noun

distinction (countable and uncountable, plural distinctions)

1. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
   • The proper course for me, gentlemen of the jury, is to deal first with the earliest charges that have been falsely brought against me, and with my earliest accursers; and then with the later ones. I make this distinction because […]1954, Plato, translated by Hugh Tredennick, “Socrates on Trial: The Apology”, in The Last Days of Socrates (Penguin Classics), Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books, →OCLC, page 20
2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
   • There is a distinction to be made between resting and slacking.
3. A feature that causes someone or something to stand out from others of its type.
   • Gedeon Van Rompay had the dubious distinction of being the only Site employee personally hired by Edwin Falkirk, former All Sections Chief and perennial piece of human trash. Lillian had found it easy not to hold this against the man, but only because there were so many other odious things about...2023 September 16, HarryBlank, “Borrowing Trouble”, in SCP Foundation, archived from the original on 15 Jun 2024

   Synonyms:

   cachet

   1. (specifically) A feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; the quality of being distinguished.
      • She had the distinction of meeting the Queen.