Distinguish
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo recognize or understand the difference between two or more things or people.
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
To perceive or point out a difference; to differentiate.
Can you distinguish between the twins?
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to pick out your friend in a crowded place. You look for the things that make them different from everyone else, like their clothes or hairstyle. Distinguishing is like that – it's finding the things that make things different from each other!
👶 For kids: To know the difference between two things.
More Examples
It's difficult to distinguish the original painting from the copy.
He could distinguish the sound of his car engine from all the others.
How It's Used
"It is important to distinguish between fact and opinion."
"Scientists distinguish different species based on genetic and physical characteristics."
To make someone or something seem different or better than others; to make something special or notable.
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
To make different; to characterize.
Her generosity distinguished her from others.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone does something amazing that makes everyone notice them. Maybe they're super talented or they do something really brave. Distinguishing here is like making yourself stand out from the crowd, doing something that makes you special or memorable.
👶 For kids: To do something so good that people notice you.
More Examples
The artist's innovative techniques distinguished him from his contemporaries.
The award-winning performance distinguished the actor.
How It's Used
"His intelligence and wit distinguished him from his peers."
"She distinguished herself as a leader."
To manage to see or make out something.
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
To see clearly.
I could barely distinguish her face in the crowd.
💡 Simply: If you're trying to see something far away, and you're squinting to be able to figure out what it is – that’s distinguishing. It means you're managing to see something, even if it's not super clear.
👶 For kids: To be able to see something.
More Examples
He could distinguish the sound of the piano from across the street.
It was too foggy to distinguish the coastline.
How It's Used
"He could barely distinguish a shape in the darkness."
Idioms & expressions
distinguish oneself
To become known or famous by doing something well or unusually well.
"She distinguished herself as a brilliant scientist."
distinguish between
To recognize a difference between two or more things.
"It's important to distinguish between fact and fiction when reading."
From Middle English distinguishen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguō (“to separate, make distinct”).
The word 'distinguish' has been used since the 14th century to describe separating or making something clear or different.
Memory tip
Think of 'distinct' - things that are distinct are easily distinguishable.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: distinguo