Words / B2

di-STINGW-ish/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

To distinguish is to see or show a difference: distinguish A from B; distinguish between. Distinct and distinctive are already in the dictionary. Discriminate between is a close twin (without the unfair-treatment sense). Distinguish yourself means become noticeable for quality. Do not write “distinguish A to B”.

Meaning

To see or show the difference between things; also to make someone or something noticeable.

Examples

• “Candidates must distinguish fact from opinion in the paper.”
• “The paper asks you to distinguish fact from opinion.”
• “She distinguished herself in the internship, which is the “stand out” sense.”

Good to know

distinguish A from B; distinguish between. Close: tell apart. Stand out: distinguish yourself. Related adjectives: distinct / distinctive.

Near in meaning

differentiate

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