Definition of: distinguish

(di·sting′gwish) v.t.
1. To mark as different; indicate or constitute the differences of or between.
2. To recognize as separate or distinct; discriminate.
3. To divide into classes or categories classify.
4. To bring fame, celebrity, or credit upon.
5. To apperceive by one of the physical senses.
—v.i.
6. To make or discern differences; discriminate: often with among or between. See synonyms under DISCERN, KNOW. [<F distinguer (<L distinguere separate) + -ISH²]
—dis·tin′·guish·a·ble adjective
—dis·tin′guish·a·bly adverb
—dis·tin′·guish·er noun