distinguer

Distinguer is a French verb meaning to recognize differences between things, to differentiate or to discern. It can describe the act of identifying contrasts, or of stressing a particular characteristic that sets something apart. The verb can also be used reflexively as se distinguer, meaning to stand out or to be notable in relation to others.

Etymology and sense development: distinguer comes from Latin distinguere, literally “to set apart” or “to separate.” Over time it acquired senses related to perceiving distinctions between objects, ideas, or phenomena, as well as to characterizing something as different from another.

Usage and grammar: Distinguer is a transitive verb that generally takes a direct object and an element to be distinguished, often introduced with de or between. Common constructions include distinguer A de B (to distinguish A from B) and distinguer entre A et B (to distinguish between A and B). It is also used with distinguishing by attributes or features, as in distinguer le vrai du faux or distinguer les détails importants. The reflexive form se distinguer exists with the sense of standing out.

Conjugation and forms: Distinguer is a regular -er verb in many tenses. Present: je distingue, tu distingues, il distingue, nous distinguons, vous distinguez, ils distinguent. Passé composé: j’ai distingué; imperfect: je distinguais; future: je distinguerai; conditional: je distinguerais; subjunctive: que je distingue; imperative: distingue, distinguons, distinguez.

Related terms and usage notes: Synonyms include différencier, discerner, séparer. The noun form is distinction or différenciation, and the related adjective distingué can mean refined or notable. In addition to general use, distinguer is often used in technical or evaluative contexts to mark differences in data, arguments, or perceptions.