different between distinction vs achievement

English

Etymology

From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested 12th century), from the Latin accusative distinctionem, action noun of distinguo (“I distinguish”). Used in English from the late 14th century.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??st??k??n/

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.
2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
3. Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
   • 2013, Daniel Taylor, Steven Gerrard goal against Poland ensures England will go to World Cup (in The Guardian, 15 October 2013)[2]

     Leighton Baines, playing with distinction again, sent over a left-wing cross with pace and accuracy. Welbeck, prominently involved all night, could not reach it but Rooney was directly behind him, flashing his header past Szczesny.

Antonyms

• (that which distinguishes): confusion

Derived terms

• contradistinction
• distinction without a difference

Related terms

• distinct
• distinguish
• distinguished
• distinguishable
• distinguishness

Translations

French

Etymology

From Old French distinction (attested in the 12th century), from borrowed from the Latin accusative distinctionem, the action noun of distinguere (“distinguish”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dis.t??k.sj??/
• Rhymes: -??
• Homophone: distinctions

Noun

distinction f (plural distinctions)

1. distinction (difference, honour)

Related terms

• distinct
• distinguer

Further reading

• “distinction” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

From Middle French achevement, from Old French achevement, from the verb achever, achiever (“to finish”). Compare Modern French achèvement; the heraldic sense may be influenced by hatchment. Equivalent to achieve +? -ment.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??t?i?vm?nt/

Noun

achievement (countable and uncountable, plural achievements)

1. The act of achieving or performing; a successful performance; accomplishment
2. A great or heroic deed or feat; something accomplished by valor or boldness
3. (heraldry) An escutcheon or ensign armorial; now generally applied to the funeral shield commonly called hatchment.
4. (video games) An award for completing a particular task or meeting an objective in a video game.

   Synonym: trophy

5. (grammar, semantics) The lexical aspect (aktionsart) of verbs or predicates that change in an instant.

Synonyms

• accomplishment

Derived terms

• achievement unlocked

Translations

Further reading

• achievement in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.