distinguish — to recognize or identify the difference between two or more things
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to recognize or identify the difference between two or more things
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
Example Sentences
- My mom can distinguish my footsteps from a mile away, but can't distinguish her car keys from her phone when they're right in front of her.
- The wine expert could distinguish between 50 different types of wine, which distinguished him from ordinary wine drinkers.
- Einstein's theory of relativity distinguished him as one of the greatest scientists in history.
distinguish
VERB[/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/]
to recognize or identify the difference between two or more things
He distinguishes the fresh apples from the bruised ones.
The detective distinguished the fake key from the real one by noticing one tiny scratch. (THIS + TINY CLUE → a tiny clue helps you distinguish things)
The student distinguished similar English words and finally finished the vocabulary test.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin distinguere, composed of dis- (apart) and stinguere (to prick or mark), originally meaning to separate by marking. The word entered English through Old French and Middle English, retaining its sense of separating or differentiating.
Breakdown
dis- (apart, asunder) + -tinguish (from Latin stinguere, to mark/prick) = distinguish (to separate or recognize as different)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
“It's hard to distinguish between the twins.”
“He distinguished himself in the competition.”
“What distinguishes humans from animals?”
“We can clearly distinguish the difference.”
“The distinguished guest gave an inspiring speech.”
📝Examples
“My mom can distinguish my footsteps from a mile away, but can't distinguish her car keys from her phone when they're right in front of her.”
“The wine expert could distinguish between 50 different types of wine, which distinguished him from ordinary wine drinkers.”
“Einstein's theory of relativity distinguished him as one of the greatest scientists in history.”
“I can't distinguish between expensive perfume and cheap body spray - they all smell like 'trying too hard' to me.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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