distinguish
[ dih-sting-gwish ]
/ dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪʃ /
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verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to indicate or show a difference (usually followed by between).
to recognize or note differences; discriminate.
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Origin of distinguish
synonym study for distinguish
2. Distinguish, differentiate, discriminate suggest an attempt to analyze characteristic features or qualities of things. To distinguish is to recognize the characteristic features belonging to a thing: to distinguish a light cruiser from a heavy cruiser. To discriminate is to perceive the particular, nice, or exact differences between things, to determine wherein these differences consist, and to estimate their significance: to discriminate prejudiced from unprejudiced testimony. To differentiate is to point out exactly and in detail the differences between (usually) two things: The symptoms of both diseases are so similar that it is hard to differentiate one from another.
OTHER WORDS FROM distinguish
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for distinguish
British Dictionary definitions for distinguish
distinguish
/ (dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ) /
verb (mainly tr)
(when intr, foll by between or among) to make, show, or recognize a difference or differences (between or among); differentiate (between)
to be a distinctive feature of; characterize
to make out; perceive
to mark for a special honour or title
to make (oneself) noteworthyhe distinguished himself by his cowardice
to classify; categorizewe distinguished three species
Derived forms of distinguish
Word Origin for distinguish
C16: from Latin distinguere to separate, discriminate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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