distinguish
verbattested in dialogue
- //dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ//
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
verb
- 1
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
It had begun to take a leading place even in the days of the Ptolemies, and in scientific, as distinguished from purely literary work, it had assumed a position of primary importance early in the Christian era.
The physics of elementary particles in the 20th century was distinguished by the observation of particles whose existence had been predicted by theorists sometimes decades earlier.
- 2
To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.
- 3
To make noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.
- 4
To confer an honor upon.
The soldier was distinguished with a medal for his bravery.
- 5
obsoleteTo make to differ.
For who diſtinguiſheth thee?
Etymology
From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere (“to separate, divide, distinguish, set off, adorn, literally mark off”), from di-, dis- (“apart”) + stinguere, related to English stink. Compare extinguish.
Forms
- past tense
- distinguished
- past participle
- distinguished
- present participle
- distinguishing
- third person singular
- distinguishes
distinguish · To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
distinguished · Celebrated, well-known or eminent because of achievements or…distorted · Unnatural in shape or size; abnormal.distortion · An act of distorting.