distinguish

verb

To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.

(transitive, reflexive) To make noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.

To confer an honor upon.

(transitive, obsolete) To make to differ.

Roots

stinguostingu- · Latin · prick, mark off

Synonyms for distinguish

differentiatev discernv contradistinguishv identifyv recognizev separateadj describev signalizev discriminatev characterizev discoverv classifyv detectv tellv demarcatev perceivev

Synonyms & related words for distinguish

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of distinguish — including differentiate, discern, contradistinguish, identify, recognize, separate. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to distinguish

Explore words related to distinguish — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include secern, distinguishable, indistinctive, distinction, distinguishably, distinct, dissimilate, contradistinctive. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for distinguish

Common synonyms for distinguish include differentiate, discern, contradistinguish, identify, recognize, separate, describe, signalize — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does distinguish come from?

The word distinguish breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root stingu-, from Latin stinguo (“prick, mark off”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.