Lexic.us

Definition of Distinguish

1. Verb. Mark as different. "We distinguish several kinds of maple"

2. Verb. Detect with the senses. "I can't make out the faces in this photograph"

3. Verb. Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense. "His modesty distinguishes him from his peers"

4. Verb. Make conspicuous or noteworthy.

5. Verb. Identify as in botany or biology, for example.

Definition of Distinguish

1. v. t. Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.

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

Definition of Distinguish

1. Verb. To see someone or something as different from others. ¹

2. Verb. To see someone or something clearly or distinctly. ¹

3. Verb. To make one's self noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Distinguish

1. [v -ED, -ING, -ES]

Medical Definition of Distinguish

1. 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." (Dryden) "Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine." (Nares) 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." (T. Burnet) 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." (Watts) "Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his outward show." (Shak) 4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ. "Who distinguisheth thee?" (1 Cor. Iv. 7. (Douay version)) 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." Synonym: To mark, discriminate, differentiate, characterise, discern, perceive, signalize, honor, glorify. Origin: F. Distinguer, L. Distinguere, distinctum; di- = dis- + stinguere to quench, extinguish; prob. Orig, to prick, and so akin to G. Stechen, E. Stick, and perh. Sting. Cf. Extinguish. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Distinguish

distincter distinctest distinction distinction without a difference distinctions distinctions without a difference distinctive distinctive feature distinctively distinctiveness

distinctly distinctness distinctnesses distincture distingue distinguish (current term) distinguishability distinguishable distinguishableness distinguishably

distinguished distinguishedly distinguisher distinguishers distinguishes distinguishest distinguisheth distinguishing distinguishing characteristic distinguishingly

Literary usage of Distinguish

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Treatise on the Diseases of the Eye by William Lawrence (1833)
"Some individuals are naturally unable to distinguish colours, ... Some persons can only distinguish certain colours, and refer the others to one or other of ..."

2. Psychology, Or, A View of the Human Soul: Including Anthropology, Adapted by Friedrich August Rauch (1853)
"Self-feeling does not enable the animal to distinguish between the subject ... The animal having self-feeling does not distinguish between itself and its ..."

3. The Iliad of Homer by Homer, John Graham Cordery (1871)
"But none can I distinguish, nought can see, In the thick mist that covers all the field. Save, from this darkness save, O Father Zeus ! ..."

4. Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville, Henry Reeve (1900)
"CHARACTERISTICS WHICH distinguish THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FROM ALL OTHER FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS American Union appears to ..."

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