distinguish

verb

dis·​tin·​guish di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish How to pronounce distinguish (audio)
distinguished; distinguishing; distinguishes

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 make noteworthy or remarkable : to give prominence or distinction (see distinction sense 4) to
distinguished themselves as pioneers of hip-hop
d
: characterize
recipes distinguished by simplicity
3
a
: discern
distinguished a light in the distance
could barely distinguish them in the fog
b
: to single out : take special notice of

intransitive verb

: to perceive a difference
distinguish between right and wrong
distinguishability noun
distinguishable adjective
distinguishably adverb

Examples of distinguish in a Sentence

You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy. I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them. I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them. You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy. The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark. The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band. You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.
Recent Examples on the Web The Evolv Express system uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to distinguish a phone or personal item from a potential weapon or component for a weapon, according to a summary by Evolv Technology. Marc Hayot, arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2024 But, in failing to issue an endorsement immediately after Super Tuesday, Haley distinguished herself from other Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who both bent the knee before Trump on Wednesday. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 The new species was distinguished from other species by its physical features, especially by its chelipeds, which are its claw-bearing appendages, scientists said. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 One distinguishing element of these figures was the absence of mega disasters. Nina Seega, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 According to my dad’s recollection of the conversation, the system consisted of mechanical chemo-sensing devices that were designed to distinguish — in the field — between meat-eating U.S. troops and the largely vegetarian North Vietnamese. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Gaza’s health ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but has said in recent updates that around 70% of the casualties are women and children. Jeremy Diamond, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 However, what distinguishes healthy relationships from toxic ones is the manner in which these conflicts are managed and resolved. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 In February 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on stage at the NAACP Image Awards in L.A. to accept the President's Award in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinguish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinguish was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near distinguish

Cite this Entry

“Distinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinguish. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

distinguish

verb
dis·​tin·​guish dis-ˈtiŋ-(g)wish How to pronounce distinguish (audio)
1
: to recognize one thing from others by some mark or quality
distinguish the bird calls
2
: to hear or see clearly : make out, discern
distinguish a light in the distance
3
: to know or point out the difference
distinguish between right and wrong
4
: to set apart as different or special
distinguished themselves by heroic actions
distinguishable adjective
distinguishably adverb

Legal Definition

distinguish

transitive verb
dis·​tin·​guish
: to identify or explain differences in or from
distinguished the cases on factual grounds

More from Merriam-Webster on distinguish

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