v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Distinguished p. pr. & vb. n. Distinguishing. ] [ F. distinguer, L. distinguere, distinctum; di- = dis- + stinguere to quench, extinguish; prob. orig., to prick, and so akin to G. stechen, E. stick, and perh. sting. Cf. Extinguish. ] 1. Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not more distinguished by her purple vest,
Than by the charming features of her face. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine. Nares. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low. [ 1913 Webster ]

Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth. T. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor more can you distinguish of a man,
Than of his outward show. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ. [ 1913 Webster ]

Who distinguisheth thee? 1 Cor. iv. 7. (Douay version). [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; -- with by or for.“To distinguish themselves by means never tried before.” Johnson.

Syn. -- To mark; discriminate; differentiate; characterize; discern; perceive; signalize; honor; glorify. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; -- with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a little knot. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Capable of being distinguished; separable; divisible; discernible; capable of recognition; as, a tree at a distance is distinguishable from a shrub. [ 1913 Webster ]

A simple idea being in itself uncompounded . . . is not distinguishable into different ideas. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Worthy of note or special regard. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being distinguishable. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. So as to be distinguished. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Marked; special. [ 1913 Webster ]

The most distinguished politeness. Mad. D' Arblay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Separated from others by distinct difference; having, or indicating, superiority; eminent or known; illustrious; -- applied to persons and deeds.

Syn. -- Marked; noted; famous; conspicuous; celebrated; transcendent; eminent; illustrious; extraordinary; prominent. -- Distinguished, Eminent, Conspicuous, Celebrated, Illustrious. A man is eminent, when he stands high as compared with those around him; conspicuous, when he is so elevated as to be seen and observed; distinguished, when he has something which makes him stand apart from others in the public view; celebrated, when he is widely spoken of with honor and respect; illustrious, when a splendor is thrown around him which confers the highest dignity. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a distinguished manner. [ R. ] Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, distinguishes or separates one thing from another by marks of diversity. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who discerns accurately the difference of things; a nice or judicious observer. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Constituting difference, or distinction from everything else; distinctive; peculiar; characteristic. [ 1913 Webster ]

The distinguishing doctrines of our holy religion. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Distinguishing pennant (Naut.), a special pennant by which any particular vessel in a fleet is recognized and signaled. Simmonds. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With distinction; with some mark of preference. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]