different between sharpness vs distinction

English

Etymology

From Middle English sharpnesse, scharpnesse, from Old English s?earpnes (“sharpness”), equivalent to sharp +? -ness.

Noun

sharpness (countable and uncountable, plural sharpnesses)

1. (uncountable) the cutting ability of an edge; keenness
2. (uncountable) the fineness of the point a pointed object
3. (countable) The product or result of being sharp.
4. (of food etc) pungency or acidity
5. (of an image) distinctness, focus
6. (of intelligence) acuteness or acuity
7. (obsolete) edge or blade

Synonyms

• (cutting ability of an edge): keenness
• (fineness of a point):
• (pungency, acidity): acidity, acridity, piquancy, pungency, sourness
• (of an image): clarity, distinctness, focus
• (of intelligence): acuteness, acuity

Translations

See also

• (of an image): acutance

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).