Distinguish Meaning in English
word
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
di-STING-gwish
/dɪstˈɪŋɡwɪʃ/
di-STING-gwish
Definition
To recognize or show the difference between two or more things; to see what makes them unique or separate.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with 'between' or 'from', e.g., 'distinguish between A and B' or 'distinguish one thing from another'. Common in both formal and neutral speech. Sometimes confused with 'differentiate' which can be a synonym in many contexts.
Spanish: distinguir - diferenciarPortuguese (BR): distinguir - diferenciarPortuguese (PT): distinguir - diferenciarChinese (Simplified): 区分 - 辨别Chinese (Traditional): 區分 - 辨別Hindi: फर्क करना - अलग करनाArabic: يميز - يفرقBengali: পার্থক্য করা - চেনা - শনাক্ত করাRussian: различать - отличатьJapanese: 見分ける - 区別するVietnamese: phân biệtKorean: 구별하다 - 식별하다Turkish: ayırt etmekUrdu: تمیز کرنا - فرق کرناIndonesian: membedakan
Example Sentences
Can you distinguish the twins?
basic
It's hard to distinguish red from orange.
basic
She can distinguish bird songs by ear.
basic
Even experts sometimes can't distinguish real from fake.
natural
I have trouble distinguishing faces in the dark.
natural
How do you distinguish good advice from bad?
natural