Distinguish

Distinguish is a verb used to describe recognizing or identifying differences between things, or making one thing stand out as different from others. In practice, it often occurs with the prepositions between or from: “to distinguish between A and B” or “to distinguish X from Y.” It can also mean to perceive or treat as distinct in quality or significance, such as distinguishing characteristics or distinguishing oneself by achievement. The related noun is distinction, and the adjectives distinguishing or distinguishable.

Etymology: distinguish comes from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere “to separate, set apart.” The form reflects a combining of a prefix meaning apart with a root meaning to set apart, and English usage is attested in Middle English.

Usage notes: Distinguish emphasizes the cognitive ability to see differences, rather than merely naming. Distinguishable describes something capable of being distinguished; distinguishing features refer to characteristic traits that set things apart. Distinguish is synonymous with differentiate and discriminate in many contexts, but may carry different connotations; discriminate can have ethical or legal tones, and differentiate is broader and often neutral.

Examples: “The two species can be distinguished by the pattern on their wings.” “Her leadership distinguished her from her peers.” “The badge distinguishes officers from civilians.”

See also: distinction, distinguishable, distinguishing feature, differentiate, discriminate.