Dictionary monolingual
English
Distinguish
dəˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Distinguish -
To recognize or point out a difference between two or more things
Example: It's important to be able to distinguish between similar species of birds.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional discussions
Note: Used in contexts where accuracy and precision are required.
To be notable, remarkable, or stand out from others
Example: Her talent for singing distinguishes her from the other contestants.
Usage: formalContext: evaluating qualities or characteristics
Note: Often used in discussions about unique qualities or characteristics.
To recognize someone's achievements or qualities
Example: The award distinguishes her as a leader in the field.
Usage: formalContext: acknowledging accomplishments
Note: Commonly used in award ceremonies or formal recognitions.
Distinguish's synonyms
differentiate
To recognize or ascertain what makes someone or something different.
Example: It's important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
Note: While 'distinguish' focuses on recognizing differences, 'differentiate' emphasizes the process of distinguishing between similar things or concepts.
discern
To perceive or recognize something with difficulty by sight or intellect.
Example: She could discern the subtle nuances in the painting that others overlooked.
Note: Similar to 'distinguish,' but 'discern' often implies a deeper level of perception or understanding.
identify
To establish or indicate who or what someone or something is.
Example: Can you identify which bird is making that sound?
Note: While 'distinguish' focuses on recognizing differences, 'identify' emphasizes recognizing and naming specific individuals or things.
recognize
To identify someone or something previously seen, known, or experienced.
Example: I couldn't recognize her at first with the new hairstyle.
Note: Similar to 'distinguish,' but 'recognize' often involves recalling a previous encounter or familiarity with the person or thing.
Distinguish expressions, common phrases
Distinguish between
To recognize the difference or contrast between two or more things.
Example: It's important to distinguish between right and wrong.
Note: This phrase indicates making a clear distinction or differentiation between things.
Distinguish oneself
To stand out from others due to exceptional qualities or actions.
Example: She distinguished herself as the top performer in the competition.
Note: This phrase suggests achieving recognition or distinction through notable actions or qualities.
Distinguishable
Capable of being perceived as different or distinct.
Example: The two types of birds are easily distinguishable by their color patterns.
Note: This term refers to the quality of being able to be distinguished or recognized as distinct from something else.
Distinguished
Recognized as successful, authoritative, or prestigious in a particular field.
Example: He is a distinguished professor in the field of economics.
Note: This term implies having achieved a high level of respect or honor in a specific area.
Hard to distinguish
Difficult to recognize or differentiate one from another.
Example: The twins looked so alike that it was hard to distinguish between them.
Note: This phrase indicates the challenge in perceiving or discerning a clear difference.
Distinguish everyday (slang) expressions
Tell apart
This slang term means to distinguish between two similar things or people.
Example: Their twin brothers were so identical it was hard to tell them apart.
Note: The slang term 'tell apart' specifically refers to distinguishing between similar things without using the word 'distinguish.'
Pick out
To select or identify something from a group, indicating the act of distinguishing it.
Example: Can you pick out the best piece of artwork from the collection?
Note: While 'pick out' involves selection, it also involves the act of discerning or recognizing something, not just choosing it.
Spot the difference
Refers to identifying discrepancies or variations between similar things or images.
Example: In the spot-the-difference game, players have to find the discrepancies between two seemingly identical pictures.
Note: This term is often used to describe a game or activity where participants have to identify small discrepancies rather than general distinctions.
Distinguish - Examples
English: It's important to distinguish between fact and opinion.
English: The unique design of the building distinguishes it from the others in the area.
English: Her talent for languages distinguishes her from her peers.
Distinguish grammar
Distinguish - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: distinguish
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): distinguished
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): distinguishing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): distinguishes
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): distinguish
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): distinguish
Syllables, Separation and Stress
distinguish Contains 3 syllables: dis • tin • guish
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wish
dis tin guish , di ˈstiŋ (g)wish (The red syllable is stressed)
Distinguish - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
distinguish: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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