Definition of distinguish
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 5) 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
: to perceive a difference
- distinguish between right and wrong
