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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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Not more distinguished by her purple vest,
Than by the charming features of her face. --Dryden.
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Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the
eglantine. --Nares.
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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.
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Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into
those that belong to the heavens, and those that
belong to the earth. --T. Burnet.
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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.
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We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as
well as truth from falsehood. --Watts.
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Nor more can you distinguish of a man,
Than of his outward show. --Shak.
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4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
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Who distinguisheth thee? --1 Cor. iv.
7. (Douay
version).
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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.
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Distinguish \Dis*tin"guish\, v. i.
1. To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to
exercise discrimination; -- with between; as, a judge
distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but
differing in principle.
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2. To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self
or itself discernible. [R.]
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The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a
little knot. --Jer. Taylor.
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