English Reference
adjective

distinguished

adj.
US /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/ UK /dɪstˈɪŋɡwɪʃt/ dis·tin·guished

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    famous and respected because of great work or a high position.

    celebrated or eminent due to significant achievements, professional rank, or contributions to a field.

    Simple

    The university invited a distinguished professor to speak at the graduation ceremony.

    In context

    After a distinguished career in international law, she was appointed to the highest court in the country.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    looking important, elegant, and serious, often in a way that suggests age and experience.

    possessing a dignified or noble appearance, often associated with maturity or refined style.

    Simple

    With his grey hair and tailored suit, he looked very distinguished.

    In context

    The actor's distinguished features made him the perfect choice to play the role of the elder statesman.

    scruffyundignified

He had distinguished himself as a commander at Gettysburg and other Civil War battles, becoming the youngest major general in the Army at age 25.

Smithsonian Magazine· 24 Jun 2026

Using a stain that distinguished dead from living bacteria, the researchers confirmed that the treatment had killed 97 percent of the bacteria.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Jun 2026

From distinguish + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated