distinction

n. difference, uniqueness; excellence; honor, mark of honor

Distinction,the fundamental philosophical abstraction, involves the recognition of two or more things being distinct, i.e. different.Distinction (social), is a social force that places different values on different individuals. (social, class, and style) Distinction (law), is a principle under international humanitarian law governing the legal use of force in an armed conflict.For Pierre Bourdieu's book, "Distinction", see La distinction.Distinction - as in passing an exam with an exceptional mark
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Noun
1. a discrimination between things as different and distinct; "it is necessary to make a distinction between love and infatuation"
(synonym) differentiation
(hypernym) discrimination, secernment
(hyponym) contradistinction
(derivation) distinguish, separate, differentiate, secern, secernate, severalize, severalise, tell, tell apart
2. high status importance owing to marked superiority; "a scholar of great eminence"
(synonym) eminence, preeminence, note
(hypernym) high status
(hyponym) king
3. a distinguishing quality; "it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town"
(hypernym) quality
4. a distinguishing difference; "he learned the distinction between gold and lead"
(hypernym) difference

n. distinction; discrimination; eminence, elegance; grace

(n.)
The act of distinguishing or denoting the differences between objects, or the qualities by which one is known from others; exercise of discernment; discrimination.
  

(n.)
That which distinguishes one thing from another; distinguishing quality; sharply defined difference; as, the distinction between real and apparent good.
  

(n.)
Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.
  

(n.)
Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction.
  

(n.)
A marking off by visible signs; separation into parts; division.