| Figure Name | distinctio |
| Source | Silva Rhetoricae (http://humanities.byu.edu/rhetoric/Silva.htm); Blount (1653) 37 |
| Earliest Source | None |
| Synonyms | |
| Etymology | None |
| Type | Trope |
| Linguistic Domain |
Semantic |
| Definition |
1. Eliminating ambiguity surrounding a word by explicitly specifying each of its distinct meanings. 2. "First, if there be any doubt or ambiguity in the words, it is better left out then distinguished. But if you are to answer former speehes that imply any doubtfulness, you may disperse all clouds, and remove all scruples with Distinction" (Blount) |
| Example |
2. "As being charged you have brought very light reasons, you may answer, If by light you mean clear, I am glad you see them; If by light, you mean of no weight, I am sorry you do not feel them." (Blount) |
| Kind Of | Identity |
| Part Of | |
| Related Figures | |
| Notes | |
| Confidence | Unconfident |
| Last Editor | Mark Carter |
| Confidence | Unconfident |
| Editorial Notes | |
| Reviewed | No |