3 syllables: dis, tin, ction. Stress on tin.
dis-TINGK-shuhn
/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
distinction is pronounced dis-TINGK-shuhn (/dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/). It has three syllables (dis-tin-ction), with the stress on "tin". A clear separation or difference between two or more things that are closely connected or similar. Used to highlight a distinctive feature, quality, or status, often in contrast to another item. In academic or formal contexts, it denotes precise differentiation rather than general similarities.
A clear separation or difference between two or more things that are closely connected or similar. Used to highlight a distinctive feature, quality, or status, often in contrast to another item. In academic or formal contexts, it denotes precise differentiation rather than general similarities.
"The distinction between the two theories is subtle but important."
"Her distinction as a scientist comes with decades of peer-reviewed research."
"There is a fine distinction in meaning between 'affect' and 'effect' that students must understand."
Pronounce as /ˌdɪˈstɪŋkʃən/. The syllables are dis-TIN-ction, with primary stress on the second syllable. Start with the short i in 'dis' but reduce it; the 'tin' contains a clear short /ɪ/ as in 'kit', followed by /ŋ/ and /kʃ/ in 'ction'. End with /ən/ (schwa). Mouth: soft lips, relaxed jaw for the first syllable, then a higher tongue tip for the /stɪŋk/ cluster, and finally a weak, unstressed schwa. See audio references for consonant blending.
Common errors: misplacing stress (saying dis-TIN-ction with wrong emphasis) and merging the /t/ and /ʃ/ into /tɕ/ or /tʃ/. Another pitfall is weakening the /ŋk/ cluster or pronouncing /tɪŋk/ as /tɪŋk/ with unclear /k/ release. Correction: keep primary stress on the second syllable, clearly articulate the /ŋ/ before /k/, and produce /tʃ/ as a single segment in the /-tɪŋkʃən/ part rather than separate /t/ and /ʃ/. Practice with minimal pairs to stabilize….
US: /ˌdɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ with rhoticity not affecting r, but vowel quality may be slightly tenser. UK: /ˌdɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ similar, but the /ɪ/ in the first stressed syllable may be shorter; non-rhotic accents don’t affect this word much. AU: typically /ˌdɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ identical to General UK but with Australian vowel shifts; the /ɪ/ vowels may be a touch higher and more centralized in some speakers. Overall, differences are subtle and usually in vowel length and diphthongization rather than major consonant changes.
The difficulty lies in the complex consonant cluster -stɪŋk- followed by -ʃən, requiring seamless transition from the /ŋk/ to /tʃ/ and a final weak vowel. The density of consonants, plus the primary stress on the second syllable and the secondary stress from the word’s prefix, makes it easy to misplace stress or blur the /t/ and /ʃ/ into a single sound. Practicing isolated /dɪ/ and /stɪŋk/ with a clean /tʃ/ helps stabilize the flow.
The most distinctive feature is the /tɪŋkʃ/ sequence bridging the /ŋ/ to /k/ and the /t/ of the /tɪŋk/ segment before the /ʃ/ of -tion. This is where learners often stumble by mispronouncing as /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ with a glottal stop or blending the /t/ and /ʃ/. Focus on a clean /ŋk/ release followed by /tʃ/ to form /-kʃ-/ before the final schwa.
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Distinction comes from the Latin distinctio, from distinguere, meaning to separate, set apart. Distinguere is formed from the prefix dis- (apart, away) + stinguere (to mark, separate, or distinguish). The root stinguere is related to tint or mark in some Romance languages, evolving in English through Old French distinccion and Middle English distinguissement, with the modern spelling crystallizing by the 15th century. The word originally signified the act of setting things apart or making a difference, gradually taking on the sense of a clear contrast or quality that makes something stand out. By the 17th century, distinguish also carried implications of notable attainment or rank, as in distinctions earned in scholarship or service. Over time, the term has widened to include the conceptual clarity of differentiating categories or classes, as well as social or professional recognitions. First known uses appear in scholarly and legal Latin texts, with English adoption intensifying during the Renaissance as scholars sought precise language for categorization, comparison, and merit. In contemporary usage, distinction frequently appears in academic writing, policy discussions, and awards, underscoring both factual differentiation and recognized excellence.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "distinction" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "distinction"
-ion sounds
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