indistinction
|in-dis-tinc-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkʃ(ə)n/
lack of clear difference
Etymology
'indistinction' originates from Latin elements, formed by the negative prefix 'in-' + 'distinction' (from Latin 'distinctio'), where 'distinctio' is related to 'distinctus', the past participle of Latin 'distinguere' meaning 'to separate or distinguish'.
'indistinction' entered English via Late Latin and Old/Middle French formations such as 'indistinctio'/'indistinction', evolving into the modern English noun 'indistinction'.
Initially it meant 'the state of not being distinguished' and over time has retained this central sense, now also covering general vagueness or lack of clarity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or condition of not being clearly distinguished or differentiated; lack of distinction between things.
The indistinction between amateur and professional work made hiring decisions difficult.
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Noun 2
a lack of clarity, sharpness, or definiteness in perception, outline, or sound; vagueness or obscurity.
The indistinction of the photograph made it impossible to identify the person.
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Last updated: 2025/12/05 17:46