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

Once they were informed that synthetic images were present, their average accuracy in distinguishing real from fake rose to 75%.

From Science Daily

While civilian sites can lose their protection if they are used for military purposes, in such cases attacks must adhere to principles of international humanitarian law including distinguishing between combatants and civilians.

From BBC

Only service dogs wearing distinguishing markers are allowed at the park.

From Los Angeles Times

Numerous lawsuits are making their way through the courts, although the judiciary hasn’t settled on a single conclusion about where the line stands distinguishing “fair use” from copyright infringement.

From Los Angeles Times

The most widespread types interfere with distinguishing between red and green shades.

From Science Daily