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View synonyms for

distinguish

[dih-sting-gwish]

verb (used with object)

  1. to mark off as different (often followed by from orby ).

    He was distinguished from the other boys by his height.

  2. to recognize as distinct or different; recognize the salient or individual features or characteristics of.

    It is hard to distinguish her from her twin sister.

    Antonyms:
  3. to perceive clearly by sight or other sense; discern; recognize.

    He could not distinguish many of the words.

  4. to set apart as different; be a distinctive characteristic of; characterize.

    It is his Italian accent that distinguishes him.

  5. to make prominent, conspicuous, or eminent.

    to distinguish oneself in battle.

  6. to divide into classes; classify.

    Let us distinguish the various types of metaphor.

  7. Archaic.to single out for or honor with special attention.



verb (used without object)

  1. to indicate or show a difference (usually followed bybetween ).

  2. to recognize or note differences; discriminate.

distinguish

/ ɪˈɪŋɡɪʃ /

verb

  1. to make, show, or recognize a difference or differences (between or among); differentiate (between)

  2. to be a distinctive feature of; characterize

  3. to make out; perceive

  4. to mark for a special honour or title

  5. to make (oneself) noteworthy

    he distinguished himself by his cowardice

  6. to classify; categorize

    we distinguished three species

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • distinguishable adjective
  • distinguisher noun
  • distinguishment noun
  • interdistinguish verb (used with object)
  • predistinguish verb (used with object)
  • redistinguish verb
  • 徱ˈپԲܾ󲹲 adverb
  • 徱ˈپԲܾ󾱲Բ adjective
  • 徱ˈپԲܾ󾱲Բly adverb
  • 徱ˈپԲܾ󲹲 adjective
  • 徱ˈپԲܾ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of distinguish1

First recorded in 1555–65; extension, by -ish 2, of Middle English disting(u)en (from Anglo-French, Middle French distinguer ), from Latin distinguere; distinct
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Word History and Origins

Origin of distinguish1

C16: from Latin distinguere to separate, discriminate
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Synonym Study

Distinguish, differentiate, discriminate suggest an attempt to analyze characteristic features or qualities of things. To distinguish is to recognize the characteristic features belonging to a thing: to distinguish a light cruiser from a heavy cruiser. To discriminate is to perceive the particular, nice, or exact differences between things, to determine wherein these differences consist, and to estimate their significance: to discriminate prejudiced from unprejudiced testimony. To differentiate is to point out exactly and in detail the differences between (usually) two things: The symptoms of both diseases are so similar that it is hard to differentiate one from another.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He points out that they follow the regulations on vehicle markings designed to distinguish police cars from other cars.

From

There are other forms of public deliberation out there that you distinguish from yours, such as the citizens’ assemblies that have been used in Europe.

From

They are now awarded for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity.

From

He added: He was not only a distinguished scientist & academic, but also a courageous voice for justice & equality.

From

might distinguish the Padres from the Dodgers this season — and vice versa — is how many starting pitchers return from the injured list, and how effective they can be.

From

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徱پԲédistinguishable