distinguishable
Americanadjective
-
able to be recognized as different, usually by means of some readily noticed feature or characteristic.
The forged bills were easily distinguishable from real ones because they only had printing on one side.
-
able to be perceived or discerned.
A large gray SUV followed in close pursuit, with the general’s silhouette vaguely distinguishable in the back seat.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of distinguishable
Explanation
Something that's distinguishable can be detected or observed, especially as being separate or different from something else. The one chocolate sea salt doughnut in the box will be easily distinguishable from the plain doughnuts. In some people with color blindness, red isn't distinguishable from green — in other words, it can't be perceived as a different, separate color. You might complain that the policies of your city's new mayor, despite her promises, are barely distinguishable from those of her predecessor. The verb distinguish is at the heart of this adjective, and it comes from the Latin distinguere, "to separate between."
Vocabulary lists containing distinguishable
Unit 4: Powerful Openings
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unit 4: Powerful Openings
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Words with 15 or More Letters, List 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since 2017 there has been no statistically distinguishable difference in the average performance of the two groups of funds.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
"These are specific wounds, for example from mine blasts" -- easily distinguishable from the victims of car accidents and extreme sports enthusiasts.
From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026
At that distance, Harvey’s driving performance was only distinguishable by its ordered consistency—a quality somehow more human than human.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026
The skeleton of the piano was barely distinguishable, marked by a metal plate bearing the name “Steinway” and some scorched metal strings.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2025
What one finds is that Jomon and Yayoi skeletons are on the average readily distinguishable.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
