c. 1200, "one of the parts into which something is divided;" mid-14c. as "action of distinguishing," from Old French distinction and directly from Latin distinctionem (nominative distinctio) "separation, distinction, discrimination," noun of action from past participle stem of distinguere (see distinguish). Meaning "distinctive nature or character" is late 14c. Meaning "excellence or eminence" (what distinguishes from others) is first recorded 1690s.
权威例句
1. Lewis emerges as a composer of distinction and sensitivity.
刘易斯作为一位悟性很高的优秀作曲家崭露头角。
2. Steve Crabb can fly the flag with distinction for Britain in Barcelona.
史蒂夫·克拉布在巴塞罗那可以旗帜鲜明地支持英国。
3. Many people make a sharp distinction between humans and other animals.
很多人认为人类和其他动物截然不同。
4. He displayed a sublime indifference to the distinction between right and wrong.
他对是非之间的差别根本就无动于衷。
5. A distinction must be made between archaeology proper and science-based archaeology.