distinguish

play

verb dis·tin·guish \di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish\

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

distinguishability

play \-ˌstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

distinguishable

play \-ˈstiŋ-(g)wi-shə-bəl\ adjective

distinguishably

play \-blē\ adverb

See distinguish defined for English-language learners

See distinguish defined for kids

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

The plan, which experts say is plausible with enough investment, reflects an ambition that has long distinguished the nation from many of its Middle Eastern neighbors.

— ann m. simmons, The Seattle Times, "UAE, home of tallest building, looks to new heights — Mars", 2 June 2017
Distinguishing the females could be a column all by itself.

— taylor piephoff, charlotteobserver, "Mystery bird sweepstakes! What is that gray-headed bird perched in Charlotte trees?", 2 June 2017
His service in the Senate will distinguish him from many other candidates who are not quite inside the party establishment.

— julian zelizer, CNN, "Al Franken for president?", 2 June 2017
Terrorism analysts have noted several recurring themes in Hamza bin Laden's audio postings that distinguish his Islamist militant philosophy from the views expressed by both his father and putative al-Qaida leader Zawahiri.

— joby warrick and souad mekhennet, chicagotribune.com, "Bin Laden’s son steps into father’s shoes as al-Qaeda attempts a comeback", 28 May 2017
Terrorism analysts have noted several recurring themes in Hamza bin Laden's audio postings that distinguish his Islamist militant philosophy from the views expressed by both his father and putative al-Qaida leader Zawahiri.

— joby warrick and souad mekhennet, chicagotribune.com, "Bin Laden’s son steps into father’s shoes as al-Qaeda attempts a comeback", 28 May 2017
Terrorism analysts have noted several recurring themes in Hamza bin Laden's audio postings that distinguish his Islamist militant philosophy from the views expressed by both his father and putative al-Qaida leader Zawahiri.

— danielle dreilinger, NOLA.com, "Watch Hillary Clinton's Wellesley commencement address", 27 May 2017
One of the ways that Walt Disney distinguished Disneyland from the amusement parks of the day was by incorporating the storytelling techniques of film and bringing movies to life.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Disney parks begin a blockbuster summer", 26 May 2017
Even among this accomplished group, Stiles says Deko Ricketts of The Barstow School has distinguished himself as a face of the campus.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Vahe Gregorian: With second chance, Barstow’s Deko Ricketts flourishes", 25 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distinguish'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us 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

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verb

Definition 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

play

verb dis·tin·guish \di-ˈstiŋ-gwish\

Definition 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.