DISTINGUISH • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Distinguish

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/dɪstˈɪŋgwɪʃ/ Listen

verb

Distinguish v. t. (past & past part. distinguished; pres. part. distinguishing)

1.

Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic. "Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by the charming features of her face." "Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine."

2.

To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low. "Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth."

3.

To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum. "We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood." "Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his outward show."

4.

To constitute a difference; to make to differ. "Who distinguisheth thee?"

5.

To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; with by or for."To distinguish themselves by means never tried before."

Synonyms: To mark; discriminate; differentiate; characterize; discern; perceive; signalize; honor; glorify.

Distinguish v. i.

1.

To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.

2.

To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible. (R.) "The little embryo... first distinguishes into a little knot."

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Etymology of 'Distinguish'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Distinguish" Quotes from Famous Books

... dual or plural origin as is furnished by the interlaced Elohistic and Jehovistic documents of the Pentateuch? A careful investigation will show that there is not. Any scholar who has given some attention to the subject can readily distinguish the Elohistic from the Jehovistic portions of the Pentateuch; and, save in the case of a few sporadic verses, most Biblical critics coincide in the separation which they make between the two. But the attempts which have ...

— Myths and Myth-Makers - Old Tales and Superstitions Interpreted by Comparative Mythology • John Fiske

... these turbulent waters, the only party thus far to make the entire passage from the Junction to the sea. And as yet no one has made the complete descent from Green River Valley to the counter-current of the Tidal Bore, so if there is any reader who desires to distinguish himself here is a feat still open to him. Stanton deserves much praise for his pluck and determination and good judgment in carrying this railway survey to a successful issue, especially after the discouraging disasters of the first attempt. He holds the data and believes the project ...

— The Romance of the Colorado River • Frederick S. Dellenbaugh

... candles, and guests were standing about. Mr. Lynde Saltonstall took his bride-to-be, and they let the white train sweep down the broad stairway, then Avis Manning and Ed Saltonstall followed. They were not much on knick-names in those days, but he had been called Ed to distinguish him ...

— A Little Girl in Old Salem • Amanda Minnie Douglas

... amuses her), she does what is perfectly natural and unaffected on her part, but what is not customarily done among polite persons, who can sneer at her odd manners and her vanity, but don't know the kindness, honesty, and simplicity which distinguish her. This point being admitted, it follows, of course, that the tirade against the aristocracy would, in the present instance, be out of place—so it shall be reserved for some ...

— Men's Wives • William Makepeace Thackeray

... behind the great box, and ran to the window. The Father stooped, and crouched close against the wall under the window—for there had not been time to get away—and waited, hardly daring to breathe. Pomponio carefully opened the shutters and peered out, but he could distinguish nothing in the intense blackness. After listening a moment and hearing no sound, he closed the shutters and went back to his work. The priest waited until he again heard the screech of the file before he dared to ...

— Old Mission Stories of California • Charles Franklin Carter

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