distinguish
dih-STIHNG-gwihsh
Distinguish (verb) means to recognize the difference between two or more things. Example: “Can you distinguish between the twins when they wear the same clothes?”
verb
1
To recognize the difference between two or more things.
"Can you distinguish between the twins when they wear the same clothes?"
"It can be hard to distinguish real diamonds from cubic zirconia."
"Young children may not yet distinguish right from wrong."
2
To make someone or something stand out from others, often through achievement.
"She distinguished herself by winning three medals in one week."
"His unusual talent for languages distinguishes him from his classmates."
"Her calm leadership distinguished her from the other candidates."
How to use distinguish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell things apart, or to make something noticeably different (usually better).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
distinguish between
distinguish from
distinguish oneself
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- distinguishes
- Past tense
- distinguished
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you _____ between the twins when they wear the same clothes?
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).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for distinguish
See all rhymes for 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.'
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