distinguished

[dih-sting-gwisht]

adjective

1. made conspicuous by excellence; noted; eminent; famous.

   a distinguished scholar.

   Synonyms: illustrious, renowned

2. having an air of distinction, dignity, or eminence.

   a distinguished old gentleman.

3. conspicuous; marked.

distinguished

/ dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt /

adjective

1. noble or dignified in appearance or behaviour

2. eminent; famous; celebrated

Other Word Forms

• distinguishedly adverb
• nondistinguished adjective
• well-distinguished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinguished¹

First recorded in 1700–10; distinguish + -ed ²

Synonym Study

See famous.

Example Sentences

Immergut, in her Saturday decision, distinguished the conditions in Portland from the more volatile situation in Los Angeles in June.

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About the author: Christopher Tang is a distinguished research professor at UCLA.

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In addition to the spectacular sonic renderings of the original recordings, the box set is distinguished by a book-length companion.

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Moody had a distinguished rugby union career - playing an integral role at flanker and coming off the bench to help England win the 2003 World Cup in Australia.

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The Uzbek despot distinguished himself by “boiling his enemies, slaughtering his poverty-stricken people when they protest, and conscripting armies of children for slave labour,” according to The Guardian.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• acclaimed www.thesaurus.com
• brilliant 
• dignified 
• eminent 
• esteemed 
• famed 
• great 
• honored 
• illustrious 
• noble 
• notable 
• noted 
• prominent 
• remarkable 
• renowned 
• reputable 
• venerable 
• well-known