- past tense form of distinguish.
- past participle of distinguish.
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
Synonym Usage
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.
All have distinguished military records, but crucially all are from a much younger generation of officers.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
In addition to the new name, Gillian is distinguished by a revamped design and capabilities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
Earlier this year, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, proposed that she should receive the freedom of the city, describing her as "one of Dublin's most distinguished cultural figures".
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Warsh’s efforts to stamp his inflation-fighting credibility should be distinguished from the need to raise rates, Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar said in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
Safest to treat everyone you meet as a distinguished intellectual.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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.
