distinguish

Verb

Meaning

Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.

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

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.

To constitute a difference; to make to differ.

To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; -- with by or for.

To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; -- with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.

To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible.

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Examples

People find ideas a bore because they do not distinguish between live ones and stuffed ones on a shelf. Ezra Pound

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Reinhold Niebuhr

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts? Confucius

You cannot distinguish between a drunken man and a mad man until they have slept. Cuban Proverb

There is no name which cannot distinguish a child. Kikuyu Proverb

If you can't distinguish how to whistle a festival alarm from a warning alarm, then better not alarm and let s/he who knows the difference to do the alarming. African Proverb

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