v. t. | 1. | Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic. |
2. | To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; | |
3. | To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; | |
4. | To constitute a difference; to make to differ. | |
5. | To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; - with by or for. | |
v. i. | 1. | To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; - with between; |
2. | To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible. |
Verb | 1. | distinguish - mark as different; "We distinguish several kinds of maple" |
2. | distinguish - detect with the senses; "The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards"; "I can't make out the faces in this photograph" | |
3. | distinguish - be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense; "His modesty distinguishes him form his peers" Synonyms: differentiate, mark | |
4. | distinguish - make conspicuous or noteworthy | |
5. | distinguish - identify as in botany or biology, for example |