Distinction vs Differential - What's the difference?
distinction | differential |
That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
* {{quote-book, year=1921, title=
, author=(Bertrand Russell), chapter=Lecture II
, passage=In spite of these qualifications, the broad distinction between instinct and habit is undeniable. To take extreme cases, every animal at birth can take food by instinct, before it has had opportunity to learn; on the other hand, no one can ride a bicycle by instinct, though, after learning, the necessary movements become just as automatic as if they were instinctive.}}
* {{quote-book, year=1911, title=
, chapter=Evidence
, passage=But, for practical purposes, it is possible to draw a distinction between a statement of facts observed and an expression of opinion as to the inference to be drawn from these facts, and the rule telling witnesses to state facts and not express opinions is of great value in keeping their statements out of the region of argument and conjecture.}}
Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
* {{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers), title=(A Cuckoo in the Nest)
, chapter=2 * 2013 , Daniel Taylor, Steven Gerrard goal against Poland ensures England will go to World Cup'' (in ''The Guardian , 15 October 2013)[http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/15/england-poland-world-cup-qualifier]
of, or relating to a difference
* Motley
dependent on, or making a difference; distinctive
having differences in speed or direction of motion
(mathematics) of, or relating to differentiation, or the differential calculus
the differential gear in an automobile etc
a qualitative or quantitative difference between similar or comparable things
(mathematics) an infinitesimal change in a variable, or the result of differentiation
One of two coils of conducting wire so related to one another or to a magnet or armature common to both, that one coil produces polar action contrary to that of the other.
A form of conductor used for dividing and distributing the current to a series of electric lamps so as to maintain equal action in all.
As nouns the difference between distinction and differential
is that distinction is that which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination while differential is the differential gear in an automobile etc.As an adjective differential is
of, or relating to a difference.distinction
English
Noun
(en noun)citation, passage=Mother
- 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.
Derived terms
* contradistinction * distinction without a differenceAntonyms
* (that which distinguishes) confusiondifferential
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- differential characteristics
- For whom he produced differential favours.
Noun
(en noun)- (Knight)