distinguish distinguish /dɪˈstɪŋgwɪʃ/

verb

1. () Mark as different  ( secern , secernate , severalise [British] , differentiate , distinguish , separate , severalize , tell , tell apart )
   mark as different
    We distinguish several kinds of maple
   We distinguish several kinds of maple
   
2. () Detect with the senses  ( recognise , spot , tell apart , discern , distinguish , make out , pick out , recognize )
   detect with the senses
    The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
   The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
    I can't make out the faces in this photograph
   I can't make out the faces in this photograph
   
3. () Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense  ( differentiate , distinguish , mark )
   be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
    His modesty distinguishes him from his peers
   His modesty distinguishes him from his peers
   
4. Identify as in botany or biology, for example  ( discover , distinguish , key out , describe , identify , key , name )
   identify as in botany or biology, for example
   
5. Make conspicuous or noteworthy  ( distinguish , signalise [British] , signalize )
   make conspicuous or noteworthy