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

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

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

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

Example Sentences

Some of the recent incidents “highlight the difficulties the Americans will now face in distinguishing meaningfully between forces of the new Syrian government and ISIS,” Heller said.

From The Wall Street Journal

This comparison allowed the researchers to set clear benchmarks for distinguishing growth differences between T. rex and Nanotyrannus.

From Science Daily

That was former NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. discussing finances in a recent episode of the podcast “The Pivot” and distinguishing headlines from reality when it comes to understanding professional athletes’ contracts.

From MarketWatch

These patterns appeared whenever groups of neurons worked together toward a common goal, such as distinguishing colors.

From Science Daily

For generations, Americans have marked Thanksgiving by wrestling with the perfect way to prepare and serve turkey, a bird known for its ungainly size, dry texture and lack of distinguishing flavor.

From The Wall Street Journal