GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Distinguish , 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.]
   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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   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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   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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   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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   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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2.       
   Distinguish, v. i.
   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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   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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