distinguish
verb (used with object)
to mark off as different (often followed by from orby ).
had been distinguishing
-
past perfect progressiveof distinguish.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
The rumour ran down the junior file that Ruth Oliver had been distinguishing herself, and that as much of the clapping as Scales allowed to be heard was on her account.
From The Youngest Girl in the School by Evelyn Sharp
He, in his turn, sought the assistance of Hugh O'Neill, who had been distinguishing himself by his valour against De Courcy and the English.
From An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800 by Mary Frances Cusack
He had been distinguishing himself as a very brave man.
From "The Red Watch" With the First Canadian Division in Flanders by John Allister Currie
While Baker had been turning the Afghan right, White and his little force had been distinguishing themselves not a little.
From The Afghan Wars 1839-42 and 1878-80 by Archibald Forbes
Did we not hear he had been distinguishing himself?
From The Daisy chain, or Aspirations by Charlotte Mary Yonge
