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Magnitude vs Distinction - What's the difference?

magnitude | distinction | Related terms |

Magnitude is a related term of distinction.


As nouns the difference between magnitude and distinction

is that magnitude is (uncountable|countable) the absolute or relative size, extent or importance of something while distinction is that which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.

magnitude

English

Noun

  • (uncountable, countable) The absolute or relative size, extent or importance of something.
  • (countable) An order of magnitude.
  • (mathematics) A number, assigned to something, such that it may be compared to others numerically
  • (mathematics) Of a vector, the norm, most commonly, the two-norm.
  • (astronomy) The apparent brightness of a star (on a negative, logarithmic scale); apparent magnitude
  • (seismology) A measure of the energy released by an earthquake (e.g. on the Richter scale).
  • Derived terms

    * order of magnitude * absolute magnitude * apparent magnitude

    distinction

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • 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 citation , passage=Mother
  • * 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]
  • 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 difference

    Antonyms

    * (that which distinguishes) confusion