What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distinguishment
Example
The teacher's ability to make a distinguishment between similar-looking plants was impressive. [distinguishment: noun]
Example
The artist used bold colors to create a distinguishment between the foreground and background. [distinguishment: noun]
distinction
Example
The distinction between the two species of birds was difficult to discern. [distinction: noun]
Example
The athlete achieved a distinction for her outstanding performance in the competition. [distinction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinction is more commonly used than distinguishment in everyday language. Distinction is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distinguishment is less common and may sound awkward or unfamiliar in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distinguishment and distinction?
Both distinguishment and distinction can be used in academic or formal contexts. However, distinction is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while distinguishment may be more appropriate in formal or technical writing.
