Distinguir

Distinguir is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese with the core meaning of perceiving when two or more things are different, or of recognizing and marking differences. It can mean to differentiate, discern, or identify distinct features, qualities, or categories. It also appears in phrases that emphasize distinguishing oneself by a particular attribute.

Etymology and sense development: The word comes from Latin distinguere, formed from dis- “apart” and tingere or tangere, originally indicating the act of setting apart by marks or differences. Through usage in romance languages, it acquired the sense of recognizing distinctions and separating items or ideas into classes.

Usage and forms: In both languages, distinguir is transitive. Spanish examples include distinguir algo de algo (to distinguish something from something) and distinguir entre A y B (to distinguish between A and B). The reflexive distinguirse can indicate standing out or being notable for a quality, as in se distingue por su creatividad. Portuguese uses a parallel pattern: distinguir algo de algo; distinguir entre; ela se distingue pelo talento. The present tense forms are distingo/distinguo in the first person singular, and corresponding forms in the other persons, with regular endings in each language.

Related terms and nuances: Distinguir often aligns with diferenciar and discernir, but can carry a stronger sense of recognizing or highlighting a difference. In practical use, it covers technical distinctions (classification, analysis) and everyday judgments (choosing an option, noting a trait).

See also: differentiation, discernment, classification.