Distinguish: meaning, definitions and examples

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distinguish

[ dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ ]

^{Context #1}

in a situation

Perceive or point out a difference. Recognize or treat (someone or something) as different.

Synonyms

differentiate, discern, discriminate, identify, separate

Examples of usage

It's hard to distinguish between the two styles.
She can distinguish right from wrong.
Can you distinguish the original from the fake?
He is able to distinguish subtle shades of meaning.
She could not distinguish the sound of footsteps from that of the wind.

^{Context #2}

in a group

Recognize or treat (someone or something) as different.

Synonyms

characterize, differentiate, differentiate, individualize, separate

Examples of usage

It's important to distinguish between needs and wants.
He can't distinguish between reality and fantasy.
She tried to distinguish herself from her siblings.
They were unable to distinguish friend from foe.
The artist's style distinguishes him from his contemporaries.

^{Context #3}

in a taste

Perceive or point out a difference in taste.

Synonyms

differentiate, discern, identify, recognize, separate

Examples of usage

Can you distinguish the different flavors in the dish?
I can't distinguish the taste of these two wines.
She could easily distinguish between the herbs by smell.
The chef's palate allows him to distinguish subtle nuances in flavor.
He could not distinguish the sweetness of the fruit from the sourness of the vinegar.

Translations

Translations of the word "distinguish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distinguir

🇮🇳 अलग करना

🇩🇪 unterscheiden

🇮🇩 membedakan

🇺🇦 розрізняти

🇵🇱 odróżniać

🇯🇵 区別する (kūbetsu suru)

🇫🇷 distinguer

🇪🇸 distinguir

🇹🇷 ayırt etmek

🇰🇷 구별하다 (gubyeolhada)

🇸🇦 تمييز (tamayyoz)

🇨🇿 rozlišovat

🇸🇰 rozlišovať

🇨🇳 区分 (qūfēn)

🇸🇮 razlikovati

🇮🇸 greina

🇰🇿 ажырату

🇬🇪 განსხვავება (ganskhvaveba)

🇦🇿 fərqləndirmək

🇲🇽 distinguir

Word origin

The word 'distinguish' originated from the Latin word 'distinguere', which means 'to mark off'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. Initially, it was used in the sense of recognizing differences or distinguishing between things. Over time, its usage expanded to include various contexts such as taste, appearance, and characteristics. The word has evolved to symbolize the act of perceiving or pointing out differences in a wide range of situations.