Distinguish definition
They have distinguished themselves as dedicated social workers.
To distinguish oneself in battle.
Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?
The lookout distinguished the masts of ships on the horizon.
A scientist who distinguished four species of the plant.
These spices distinguish this style of Asian cooking.
Can the child distinguish between right and wrong?
When you can tell the difference between white and yellow, this is an example of when you distinguish.
When a person is given the title Teacher of the Year, this is an example of when you honor or distinguish someone.
Origin of distinguish
- Alteration of obsolete distingue from Middle English distinguen from Old French distinguer from Latin distinguere to separate steig- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere (“to separate, divide, distinguish, set off, adorn, literally mark off”), from di- for dis- (“apart”) + stinguere; see sting, stigma, style. Compare extinguish.
From Wiktionary