contradistinction n a distinction drawn on the basis of contrast sculpture in contradistinction to painting Usage(s) He belonged to the "Lesser Group" or "Mensheviki" of his party, in contradistinction of the "Larger Group" or "Bolsheviki. In contradistinction to this darkling humor he sets "gaiety, the most comprehensive of virtues, for it signifies faith, hope, charity and courage. This is in contradistinction to life in the Krzeminski mob back in Buffalo.