distinguish

CEFRB2

/dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To recognize or show the difference between people or things.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To make noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.

Examples

  • Can you distinguish between the two sounds?

  • She distinguished herself as a talented writer.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
3
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.

  2. To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

  3. To confer an honor upon.

More examples

In context

  • The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.

  • The soldier was distinguished with a medal for his bravery.

  • 1784: William Jones, The Description and Use of a New Portable Orrery, &c., PREFACE THE favourable reception the Orrery has met with from Perſons of the firſt diſtinction, and from Gentlemen and Ladies in general, has induced me to add to it ſeveral new impro...

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Can you blank the original painting from the clever forgery?

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

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.