Distinguish Meaning
Distinguish Definition & Usage
To perceive or identify a difference between two or more things.
Examples
- "She can easily distinguish between the two shades of blue."
- "The teacher was able to distinguish the student's handwriting from the others."
- "Can you distinguish the fake diamonds from the real ones?"
- "It's difficult to distinguish the twins because they look so similar."
- "He could not distinguish the song's lyrics due to the loud background noise."
To mark someone or something as unique or exceptional in some way.
Examples
- "Her dedication to the project truly distinguished her among her peers."
- "The new artwork distinguishes itself with its bold use of color."
- "He distinguished himself in the field of science with groundbreaking research."
- "The exceptional craftsmanship of the watch distinguishes it from others."
- "His kindness and generosity distinguish him as a person of integrity."
To clarify or specify the differences between two or more things.
Examples
- "It's important to distinguish between fact and opinion in the debate."
- "Can you distinguish the right answer from the others?"
- "The study aims to distinguish between various causes of the disease."
- "He tried to distinguish his approach to management from the traditional methods."
- "The lecture will help you distinguish between different literary styles."
Cultural Context
The word 'distinguish' has been in use since the Middle Ages and derives from the Latin 'distinguere', meaning to separate or divide. Over time, it expanded from its original sense of physically marking or separating objects to a broader use involving recognition, comparison, and exceptional qualities.
The Distinction of Emma's Discovery
Story
The Distinction of Emma's Discovery
In a small, quiet village, Emma was known for her curiosity. One afternoon, as she strolled through the woods, she found herself standing before two unusual plants, each bearing a vibrant flower. The colors were similar, but one flower seemed slightly brighter. Intrigued, Emma knelt closer to distinguish between the two. After a few minutes, she realized that the flowers, although looking similar at first, had distinct shapes and leaf patterns. She smiled, proud of her ability to discern the differences. Back in town, Emma told the local botanist about her discovery. 'I think I may have found a new variety of flower,' she said. The botanist was impressed. 'What distinguishes this flower from others?' he asked. Emma paused. 'The texture of the petals is slightly different, and the way the leaves curve is unlike any plant I've seen around here.' The botanist agreed and promised to examine the flowers further. Emma's keen eye for detail and her ability to distinguish subtle differences had led her to an important botanical discovery, one that would set her apart from others in the field. As news spread, Emma was invited to speak at botanical conferences, where her knowledge and talent for distinguishing unique plant features gained her recognition. She had indeed distinguished herself in the scientific community, and her name would forever be associated with the discovery of the rare flower.
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