Definition of distinguish
transitive verb
1 : to perceive a difference in : mentally separate so alike they could not be distinguished
2a : to mark as separate or different a policy that distinguishes him from other candidatesb : to separate into kinds, classes, or categories distinguish words by their part of speechc : to make noteworthy or remarkable : to give prominence or distinction (see distinction 5) to distinguished themselves as pioneers of hip-hopd : characterize recipes distinguished by simplicity
3a : discern distinguished a light in the distance could barely distinguish them in the fogb : to single out : take special notice of
intransitive verb
: to perceive a difference distinguish between right and wrong
Read the Latest from M-W
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 of distinguish from the web
-
Since opening 2 years ago this week, the restaurant has distinguished itself through Mexican cuisine with a twist.
-
Spicer appeared to be making a renewed effort to distinguish the order from the all-out ban on Muslims entering the country that Trump proposed during the campaign.
-
A supercharged air also distinguished the entire hourlong set by Shabaka and the Ancestors on Saturday night at Le Poisson Rouge.
-
Three members of the top five, in fact, have been distinguished with Academy Award recognition (nominations and awards).
-
But whether Snapchat can distinguish its measurement chops from other companies largely remains to be seen.
-
The 2016 presidential race, to put it mildly, will not go down as a campaign distinguished by cogent economic arguments and serious discussions of policy options.
-
Although viral infections are sometimes followed by bacterial infections, which may be treated with antibiotics, Huff said distinguishing one from another is very difficult.
-
What really distinguishes CEOs from the rest of us, for instance?
These example sentences are collected from online sources. Help us improve them by sending feedback.
Origin and Etymology 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
DISTINGUISH Defined for English Language Learners
distinguish
playDefinition of distinguish for English Language Learners
-
: to notice or recognize a difference between people or things
-
: to make (someone or something) different or special in some way
-
: to see or hear (someone or something) clearly
DISTINGUISH Defined for Kids
distinguish
playDefinition of distinguish for Students
distinguished
;distinguishing
1 : to recognize one thing from others by some mark or quality He distinguished the sound of the piano in the orchestra.
2 : to hear or see clearly You can't distinguish her face in this photo.
3 : to know the difference Can you distinguish between right and wrong?
4 : to set apart as different or special She distinguished herself by heroic actions.
Law Dictionary
distinguish
Legal Definition of distinguish
: to identify or explain differences in or from distinguished the cases on factual grounds
Learn More about distinguish
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distinguish Spanish Central: Translation of distinguish Nglish: Translation of distinguish for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of distinguish for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up distinguish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!