Distinguish \Dis*tin"guish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
Distinguished; p. pr. & vb. n. Distinguishing.]
[F.
distinguer, L. distinguere, distinctum; di- = dis- +
stinguere to quench, extinguish; prob. orig., to prick, and
so akin to G. stechen, E. stick, and perh. sting. Cf.
Extinguish.]
1. Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make
distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to
mark off by some characteristic.
Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by
the charming features of her face. --Dryden.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the
eglantine. --Nares.
2. To separate by definition of terms or logical division of
a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish
sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into
those that belong to the heavens, and those that
belong to the earth. --T. Burnet.
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; as,
to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as
well as truth from falsehood. --Watts.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his
outward show. --Shak.
4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee? --1 Cor. iv.
7. (Douay
version).
5. To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make
eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; -- with by
or for.``To distinguish themselves by means never tried
before.'' --Johnson.
Syn: To mark; discriminate; differentiate; characterize;
discern; perceive; signalize; honor; glorify.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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