Distinguish Definition

dĭ-stĭnggwĭsh

distinguished, distinguishes, distinguishing

verb

distinguished, distinguishes, distinguishing

To perceive as being different or distinct.

Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?

American Heritage

To make a distinction (between or among)

Webster's New World

To perceive clearly; recognize plainly by any of the senses.

Webster's New World

To be an essential characteristic of; characterize.

Webster's New World

To separate or mark off by differences; perceive or show the difference in; differentiate.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Origin of Distinguish

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
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