distinguish

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).

“Distinguish” is pronounced dih-STIHNG-gwihsh (/dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “distinguish” used in a sentence: “It can be hard to distinguish real diamonds from cubic zirconia.”

“Distinguish” is a verb.

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).

“Distinguish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Distinguish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to recognize the difference between two or more things.

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.

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.

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.'