distinction vs variation

distinction

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. 

  • Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished. 

variation

noun
  • The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing. 

  • Deviation from the mean orbit of a heavenly body. 

  • The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north. 

  • A related but distinct thing. 

  • A line of play that differs from the original. 

  • The modification of a hereditary trait. 

  • A technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration; but with some invariant characteristic, e.g. a ground bass. 

How often have the words distinction and variation occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )