English Explanatory Dictionary

distinguish

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.
To make noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
To confer an honor upon.
To make to differ.

Pronunciation

dĭ-stĭngʹgwĭsh /dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ en-us-distinguish.ogg

Word forms

distinguish distinguishes distinguishing distinguished

Etymology

From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere (“to separate, divide, distinguish, set off, adorn, literally mark off”), from di-, dis- (“apart”) + stinguere, related to English stink. Compare extinguish.

Synonyms

differentiate discriminate decern discern differentialize distinguish set apart tell tell apart make out

Antonyms

confuse

Related words

contradistinguish distinct distinction distinctive extinguish

Derived words

counterdistinguish distinguishability distinguishable distinguished distinguisher distinguishing distinguishment distinguishness interdistinguish misdistinguish redistinguish subdistinguish undistinguishability undistinguishing

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