distinguish
Translation
to distinguish, to differentiate, to tell apart
Examples
It's hard to distinguish the twins.
It's hard to distinguish the twins.
He can't distinguish between right and wrong.
He can't distinguish between right and wrong.
His accent distinguishes him from others.
His accent distinguishes him from others.
Grammar Patterns
to distinguish ((sth./sb.)) to recognise the difference It's hard to distinguish the twins.
to distinguish ((between sth. and sth.)) to see the difference between two things Can you distinguish between the two sounds?
to distinguish ((sth./sb. from sth./sb.)) to tell sth./sb. apart from sth./sb. else His style distinguishes him from other artists.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'distinguere', meaning 'to separate between, mark off'. 'dis-' (apart) + 'stinguere' (to prick, mark).
Memory Tips
Imagine using a pin ('stinguere') to 'prick' or mark things to tell them 'apart' ('dis-').