distinguishing

American  

[dih-sting-gwi-shing] / dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪ ʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. distinctive; characteristic, as a definitive feature of an individual or group.

   Intricate rhyming is a distinguishing feature of her poetry.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-distinguishing
  adjective
• undistinguishingly
  adverb
• nondistinguishing
  adjective
• undistinguishing
  adjective
• distinguishingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

First recorded in 1660–70; distinguish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Many users were critical of the company’s delay in labeling and distinguishing computer-generated sounds from those of real artists.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

X-Energy has early commercial agreements with Amazon and Dow, distinguishing it from competitors.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

You’re kind of distinguishing her from what we now think of as YA, “Young Adult.”

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

In the study, one chelator was able to capture metal ions effectively, but it did so without distinguishing between different types.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

“The only one we currently employ. The only one capable of distinguishing the new Nexus-6 brain unit. You haven’t heard of this test?”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick