distinguished
Americanadjective
-
made conspicuous by excellence; noted; eminent; famous.
a distinguished scholar.
- Synonyms:
- illustrious, renowned
-
having an air of distinction, dignity, or eminence.
a distinguished old gentleman.
adjective
-
noble or dignified in appearance or behaviour
-
eminent; famous; celebrated
Related Words
See famous.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of distinguished
First recorded in 1700–10; distinguish + -ed 2
Explanation
Being distinguished is a good thing: it implies good behavior, sharp dress, and an excellent reputation. Distinguished people are respected. When we say someone is distinguished, we're expressing respect for them. Usually, someone distinguished is older: distinguished people are wise, accomplished, and professional-looking — and usually have an impressive reputation to match. A teenager can't really be distinguished. They're too young to look the part, and they haven't done enough to earn the title. We admire people who are distinguished.
Vocabulary lists containing distinguished
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
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And Then There Were None
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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 14–18
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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.
In 2024, John Caldwell was awarded the King's Police Medal for distinguished services in the police force.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
The device then distinguished different kinds of three photon W states.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2026
Rickover summed up the challenge for atomic innovators in a 1953 memo that distinguished between “academic reactors” and “practical reactors.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
“Welcome to this distinguished 19th-century townhouse, a true architectural gem located in the heart of Lenox Hill’s iconic Treadwell Farm Historic District,” the description states.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
“He is an older gentleman, very distinguished and charming, if I do say so. Perhaps your husband knew him? I expect they would have been about the same age.”
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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.
