Showing results for "distinguishing"

• present participle of distinguish.

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

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

Etymology

Origin of distinguishing

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

Example Sentences

We then used artificial intelligence to classify each document match, distinguishing meaningful contact with Epstein from accidental mentions.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

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

To the civil enquiries which then poured in, and amongst which she had the pleasure of distinguishing the much superior solicitude of Mr. Bingley’s, she could not make a very favourable answer.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen