distinguish
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for distinguish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To recognize the difference between two or more things.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
tell apart
Antonyms
How to use distinguish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
distinguish between
distinguish from
distinguish oneself
Etymology
From Old French distinguer, itself from Latin distinguere, "to separate by pricking or marking off" — built from dis- ("apart") and a root related to the English word stink (originally about a sharp, distinct smell).
Full origin of distinguish →Frequently asked questions
What does “distinguish” mean?
The word “distinguish” means to recognize the difference between two or more things. In plain terms, to tell things apart, or to make something noticeably different (usually better).
How do you pronounce “distinguish”?
“Distinguish” is pronounced dih-STIHNG-gwihsh (/dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “distinguish” in a sentence?
Here is “distinguish” used in a sentence: “It can be hard to distinguish real diamonds from cubic zirconia.”
What part of speech is “distinguish”?
“Distinguish” is a verb.
Where does the word “distinguish” come from?
The word “distinguish” comes from Latin. From Old French distinguer, itself from Latin distinguere, "to separate by pricking or marking off" — built from dis- ("apart") and a root related to the English word stink (originally about a sharp, distinct smell).
Is “distinguish” a common word?
“Distinguish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “distinguish” have?
“Distinguish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to recognize the difference between two or more things.
What is the difference between 'distinguish' and 'differentiate'?
Both mean to tell things apart and often overlap. 'Distinguish' is the everyday word for recognising a difference or seeing one thing as separate from another. 'Differentiate' is slightly more technical and can also mean to make things different, as when a business differentiates its product.
What is the difference between 'distinguish' and 'discern'?
To distinguish is to recognise the difference between two or more things. To discern is to perceive or make out something that is not obvious, often with effort. You distinguish one twin from another, but you discern a shape in the fog.
Do you distinguish one thing 'from' another or 'between' things?
Both patterns are correct. Use 'distinguish X from Y' when separating one thing from another, as in 'distinguish right from wrong,' and 'distinguish between X and Y' when comparing two items, as in 'distinguish between the twins.'
