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distinguish

verb

/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of distinguish

To recognize and identify the differences or unique qualities between two or more things.
"The expert was able to distinguish the real antique from the replica."

Detailed meaning of distinguish

When someone distinguishes between two things, they are able to see and understand the characteristics that make them distinct from one another. This can involve analyzing similarities and differences, identifying unique features or traits, or making judgments based on criteria or standards. Distinguishing is often used in academic or intellectual contexts, such as in scientific research or literary analysis, but it is also commonly used in everyday language when discussing different types of products, services, or experiences. It can also refer to separating or setting apart one thing from another, such as distinguishing oneself from a particular group or distinguishing a particular item from a larger set.

Example sentences containing distinguish

1. Can you distinguish between the two colors?
2. The expert was able to quickly distinguish the original painting from the forgery.
3. It's difficult to distinguish her voice from her twin sister's.
4. The new software can easily distinguish spam emails from legitimate ones.
5. I couldn't distinguish the difference between the two perfume scents.
6. His keen sense of smell allowed him to distinguish various types of flowers.

History and etymology of distinguish

The verb 'distinguish' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'distinguere,' which is a combination of 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'stinguere' (meaning 'to prick' or 'to mark'). In its original Latin sense, 'distinguere' conveyed the idea of marking or pricking to create a visible separation, often used in the context of differentiating cattle by branding. Over time, this concept of creating a clear and visible separation was extended to the realm of recognizing and identifying differences or unique qualities between two or more things. As the word transitioned into Middle English and later into modern English, 'distinguish' retained this sense of perceiving and highlighting distinctions, making it a fitting term for the act of recognizing and identifying differences or unique characteristics among various entities. Thus, the etymology of 'distinguish' emphasizes its role in separating and marking out the particulars that set things apart.

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Further usage examples of distinguish

1. The detective had an uncanny ability to distinguish truth from lies.
2. The camouflage pattern on the butterfly's wings helps it distinguish from predators.
3. The wine connoisseur could easily distinguish the flavors and aromas of different wines.
4. The teacher used a highlighter to distinguish important points in the textbook.
5. Can you distinguish the melody of the song from the background music?
6. The expert's trained eye could distinguish the subtle details in the painting.
7. The detective had to distinguish the real clues from the red herrings.
8. The doctor can distinguish between different types of skin rashes.
9. He could distinguish the difference in taste between various coffee blends.
10. The forensic scientist could distinguish the fibers from different fabrics.
11. The dog could distinguish its owner's scent from others in a crowded room.
12. The conductor's skilled ear allowed him to distinguish individual instruments in the orchestra.
13. It was hard to distinguish the border between the two neighboring countries.
14. The sommelier could easily distinguish the age and region of a wine by taste alone.