distinguish

dis·tin·guish

verb \di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish\

Definition of DISTINGUISH

transitive verb

1

: to perceive a difference in : mentally separate <so alike they could not be distinguished>

2

a : to mark as separate or different <a policy that distinguishes him from other candidates>

b : to separate into kinds, classes, or categories <distinguish words by their part of speech>

c : to give prominence or distinction to <distinguished themselves in music>

d : characterize <recipes distinguished by simplicity>

3

a : discern <distinguished a light in the distance>

b : to single out : take special notice of

intransitive verb

: to perceive a difference <distinguish between right and wrong>

— dis·tin·guish·abil·i·ty \-ˌstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— dis·tin·guish·able \-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·tin·guish·ably \-blē\ adverb

Examples of DISTINGUISH

1. You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy.
2. I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them.
3. I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them.
4. You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy.
5. The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark.
6. The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band.
7. You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.

Origin of DISTINGUISH

alteration of Middle English distinguen, from Anglo-French distinguer, from Latin distinguere, literally, to separate by pricking, from dis- + -stinguere (akin to Latin instigare to urge on) — more at stick

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DISTINGUISH

Synonyms

difference, differentiate, discern, discriminate, secern, separate

Antonyms

confuse, mistake, mix (up)

Related Words

contradistinguish; comprehend, grasp, know, understand; divide, part, sever; demarcate, mark (off), set off

Near Antonyms

confound, lump (together), mingle