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REFERENCE

distinguish

v.
US //dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ// UK //dɪstˈɪŋɡwɪʃ// dis·tin·guish
  1. 1 to tell apart (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to notice or understand the difference between two things.

    to perceive or identify a difference between two or more entities. Often used with 'between' or 'from'.

    Example

    At this distance, it is hard to distinguish the real diamond from the glass one.

    Example

    Young children often find it difficult to distinguish between their own imaginative play and reality, especially when they are tired.

    Usage

    Commonly takes the preposition 'between' or 'from'.
    Pitfall
    It is hard to distinguish the twins with each other.
    It is hard to distinguish the twins from each other.

    Use 'distinguish from' or 'distinguish between', not 'with'.

  2. 2 to see clearly (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to see, hear, or recognize something clearly when it is difficult to do so.

    to perceive a specific stimulus clearly through the senses, typically against a background of noise or visual clutter.

    Example

    Through the thick fog, we could just distinguish the shape of a tall building.

    Example

    The witness struggled to distinguish the suspect's facial features in the grainy security footage provided by the police.

    Usage

    Often used with 'can' or 'could' to describe ability.
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  1. 3 to make yourself famous (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to do something so well that people notice you as being special or better than others.

    to make oneself prominent or worthy of special recognition through specific achievements. Reflexive use is standard.

    Example

    She distinguished herself as a brave reporter during the war.

    Example

    The young scientist distinguished himself early in his career by publishing a groundbreaking paper on renewable energy.

    Usage

    Almost always used reflexively (distinguish oneself).
Origin

From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere (“to separate, divide, distinguish, set off, adorn, literally mark off”), from di-, dis- (“apart”) + stinguere, related to English stink. Compare extinguish.

Word family

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