distinguish

v.

1. To make distinctions

   discriminate, discriminate between, differentiate, classify, specify, identify, individualize, characterize, separate, tell apart, demarcate, divide, collate, sort out, set apart, mark off, select, see the difference, exercise discrimination, make a distinction, single out, sift, draw the line, tell from, pick and choose, tell which is which, separate the wheat from the chaff*, separate the sheep from the goats*; see also classify, define 1, 2.

2. To discern

   detect, discriminate, notice; see discover, recognize 1, see 1.

3. To provide an identification

   identify, label, tag; see mark 2, name 1, 2.

4. To bestow honor upon

   pay tribute to, signalize, celebrate, ennoble; see admire 1, praise 1. See syn. study at discern.

distinguish implies a recognizing or marking apart from others by special features or characteristic qualities to distinguish good from evil; discriminate suggests a distinguishing of minute or subtle differences between similar things to discriminate scents; differentiate suggests the noting or ascertaining of specific differences between things by comparing in detail their distinguishing qualities or features