contradistinguish

[ kon-truh-di-sting-gwish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to distinguish by contrasting opposite qualities.

contradistinguish

/ ˌkɒntrədɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ /

verb

1. tr to differentiate by means of contrasting or opposing qualities

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradistinguish¹

First recorded in 1615–25; contra- ¹( def ) + distinguish

Related Words

• assess
• discern
• distinguish between
• evaluate
• narrow down
• segregate
• specify