distinguish
UK: dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ | US: dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ
vt. to recognize or perceive the difference between things
vt. to make oneself noteworthy or exceptional
vi. to perceive a distinction (often followed by "between")
distinguish = dis<apart> + stingu<to prick/to mark> + ish<verb suffix>
- dis-: Latin prefix meaning "apart" or "away," indicating separation.
- stingu-: From Latin stinguere (to quench, mark, or prick), later influenced by distinguere (to separate by marking).
- -ish: Verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin distinguere, combining dis- (apart) and stinguere (to mark or prick). Originally, it referred to physically marking differences (e.g., separating items by notches). Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean perceiving or emphasizing abstract distinctions, reflecting the logic of "marking apart" one thing from another.
It’s hard to distinguish between the twins.
His research distinguished him as a leading scientist.
The law distinguishes between minor and major offenses.
The artist’s style is easily distinguished by its bold colors.
Can you distinguish the original painting from the copy?