Distinguish \Dis*tin"guish\, 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.
      
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            Not more distinguished by her purple vest,
            Than by the charming features of her face. --Dryden.
      
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            Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the
            eglantine.                            --Nares.
      
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   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.
      
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            Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into
            those that belong to the heavens, and those that
            belong to the earth.                  --T. Burnet.
      
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   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.
      
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            We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as
            well as truth from falsehood.         --Watts.
      
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            Nor more can you distinguish of a man,
            Than of his outward show.             --Shak.
      
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   4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
      
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            Who distinguisheth thee?              --1 Cor. iv.
                                                  7. (Douay
                                                  version).
      
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   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.
        
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Distinguished \Dis*tin"guished\, a.
   1. Marked; special.
      
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            The most distinguished politeness.    --Mad. D'
                                                  Arblay.
      
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   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.
        
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