distinguishing

American  

[dih-sting-gwi-shing] / dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪ ʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. distinctive; characteristic, as a definitive feature of an individual or group.

   Intricate rhyming is a distinguishing feature of her poetry.

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Other Word Forms

• distinguishingly
  adverb
• nondistinguishing
  adjective
• self-distinguishing
  adjective
• undistinguishing
  adjective
• undistinguishingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

First recorded in 1660–70; distinguish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Distinguishing between them “would allow for better safeguards against games involving players making tens of thousands per season and players making millions,” said Matthew Holt, the CEO of Gaming Compliance International.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Distinguishing nerves that promote contractions from those that transmit pain could eventually lead to more precise pain relief methods that do not slow labor.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

Distinguishing cultural differences among clans can help redirect conservation efforts to ensure that these rich and still widely unknown cultures don’t die out.

From Salon • Nov. 16, 2023

Distinguishing between the two groups of women is a challenge that has long vexed physicians.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2023

Distinguishing the voice of God and the voices of those around us is no easy task.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz