distinguish
Recognize the difference
Distinguish means to recognize or perceive a difference between things, or to identify something as separate from others.
I can barely distinguish the twins apart.
It also means to make something special or notable: Her wit distinguishes her from other comedians.
If you distinguish yourself, you do something worthy of notice or praise.
The adjective distinguished describes someone respected and admired, often for accomplishments or dignified bearing.
Perceive with careful attention
- separateTo set apart
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- tell apartRecognize differences between
- discriminateTreat unequally based on category
parse · disambiguate · delineate · demarcate · individualize · particularize · segregate · sift
Perceive as known
observe · pinpoint · determine · ascertain · pick out · make out · single out · identify
Be noticeably different
- shineEmit or reflect light
- excelSurpass all others
- rise aboveOvercome by staying superior
- outshineExceed in brilliance
surpass · transcend · elevate · prove oneself · make one's mark
High regard, moral dignity
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- renownWidespread acclaim and recognition
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
- preeminenceSuperior status above others
notability · repute · acclaim · recognition · laurels · accolade · kudos · merit
Assess relative likeness
- juxtaposePlace together for contrast
- opposeAct against something
- set againstMade antagonistic toward
- weighDetermine mass or ponder
measure · balance · pit against · counterpose
discern
Perceive with careful attention
- separateTo set apart
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- tell apartRecognize differences between
discriminate · parse · disambiguate · delineate · demarcate · individualize · particularize · segregate · sift · winnow
recognize
Perceive as known
notice · observe · pinpoint · determine · ascertain · pick out · make out · single out · identify · diagnose
stand out
Be noticeably different
- shineEmit or reflect light
- excelSurpass all others
- rise aboveOvercome by staying superior
outshine · surpass · transcend · elevate · prove oneself · make one's mark
honor
High regard, moral dignity
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- renownWidespread acclaim and recognition
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
preeminence · notability · repute · acclaim · recognition · laurels · accolade · kudos · merit · fame
compare
Assess relative likeness
- juxtaposePlace together for contrast
- opposeAct against something
- set againstMade antagonistic toward
weigh · measure · balance · pit against · counterpose
- detectiondetect, discover, find, identify, locate
- comparison verbscompare, contrast, differentiate, juxtapose, liken
- recognizenotice, spot, detect, identify, perceive
- organizecategorize, classify, sort, arrange, group
- thinkingthinking, reasoning, thought, ponder, contemplate
- analysisanalyze, analysis, evaluate, data analysis, examine
- distinguished alumniAccomplished former students
- distinguished serviceExcellence warranting official recognition
- distinguished guestHonored invitee of note
- distinguishing markIdentifying characteristic
- distinguished professorElite academic title
distinguished, distinguishing, undistinguished, indistinguishable, distinguishable, distinguishes, distinguishably, indistinguishability