The meaning of DISTINGUISH is to perceive a difference in : mentally separate. How to use distinguish in a sentence.

DISTINGUISH definition: 1. to notice or understand the difference between two things, or to make one person or thing seem…. Learn more.

To distinguish is to recognize the characteristic features belonging to a thing: to distinguish a light cruiser from a heavy cruiser.

Definition of distinguish verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nov 11, 2025 · distinguish (third-person singular simple present distinguishes, present participle distinguishing, simple past and past participle distinguished) To recognize someone or something as …

To distinguish is to discern, which means to perceive or recognize the way something differs from what’s around it. It takes discerning taste buds to distinguish between Coke and Pepsi. Distinguish also …

If you can distinguish one thing from another, you can see or understand the difference between them.