Noun

(uncountable) An element of personal character that enables one to distinguish the wise from the unwise.

(countable) A piece of wise advice.

The discretionary use of knowledge for the greatest good.

The ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way, especially to different situations from that in which the knowledge was gained.

The ability to make a decision based on the combination of knowledge, experience, and intuitive understanding.

(theology) The ability to know and apply spiritual truths.

* 1652 , , The Fame and Confe??ion of the Fraternity of…the Ro?ie Cro?s , pages 1–2 of the preface

Wi?dom …is to a man an infinite Trea?ure, for ?he is the Breath of the Power of God, and a pure Influence that floweth from the Glory of the Almighty; ?he is the Brightne?s of Eternal Light, and an undefiled Mirror of the Maje?ty of God, and an Image of his Goodne?s; ?he teacheth us Soberne?s and Prudence, Righteou?ne?s and Strength; ?he under?tands the Subtilty of words, and Solution of dark ?entences; ?he foreknoweth Signs and Wonders, and what ?hall happen in time to come.

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.