distinguish
verb (used with object)
to mark off as different (often followed by from orby ).
were distinguishing
-
past progressiveof distinguish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Meanwhile, Japanese American soldiers, some of whose families were interned, were distinguishing themselves in the war’s European theater — even though for a period after Pearl Harbor the Army took away their rifles.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 8, 2021
But even then, Duran Duran were distinguishing themselves from their peers.
From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2021
At every level, dancers were distinguishing themselves, not just as individuals but as colleagues.
From New York Times ● Jul. 3, 2015
The rewards of victory were as plain and simple in the Grecian games as they were distinguishing and honourable.
From The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims Volume II (of II) by Andrew Steinmetz
The pick of Bohemia was also present, those that were distinguishing themselves in art and letters, or even on the stage, for Mrs. Hofer had learned some of her lessons in London.
From Ancestors A Novel by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
