distingués

Distingués is the masculine plural form of the French adjective distingué, meaning distinguished or notable. It describes people or things that show refinement, high status, or excellence, and it is commonly used in formal or polite language. The feminine forms are distinguée (singular) and distinguées (plural). In everyday French, the term appears in phrases such as des invités distingués (distinguished guests) or un homme distingué (a distinguished man). The adjective can appear before or after the noun, for example, un homme distingué or un homme très distingué.

Etymology: Distingué derives from the verb distinguer (to distinguish), which itself comes from Latin distinguere, formed with dis- meaning apart and stinguere/tingere related roots.

Usage notes: Distingué carries connotations of elegance, cultivation, and propriety. It often expresses respect or admiration and is common in invitations, formal letters, introductions, and descriptions in formal contexts. In contemporary casual speech, it can sound old-fashioned or overly ornate when applied to people, so its use is typically reserved for more formal or ceremonial settings.

See also: Distinction, the noun meaning a difference, mark of honor, or notable quality; distingué as the root descriptor for refined manners and appearance.