distinguées

Distinguées is the feminine plural form of the French adjective distinguée, or of the past participle distingué used as an adjective. It agrees with feminine plural nouns and pronouns, as in des femmes distinguées, des personnes distinguées, or les dames distinguées. The masculine equivalents are distingué (singular) and distingués (plural).

The term conveys notions of notable quality, refinement, or notable status, and can range in nuance from simply well-regarded to highly esteemed, depending on context. It is commonly found in formal or literary registers and in courteous or ceremonial language.

Etymologically, distinguée derives from distinguer, meaning to distinguish or separate, and the suffixes that form adjectives in French. As an adjective, distinguée and its feminine plural distinguishes a group or individual by perceived merit, elegance, or social standing.

In usage, distinguées tends to appear in contexts that emphasize propriety, elegance, or social distinction, such as descriptions of refined gatherings or polite address toward women perceived as notable. It can carry a slightly old-fashioned or ceremonial tone when used in contemporary everyday language.

See also: distinguer, distinction, distingué, distinguée (feminine singular). Examples: « Des invitées distinguées assistèrent à la cérémonie »; « Elle est une femme particulièrement distinguée. »