distinguishes
Tells the difference
Distinguishes means perceives or indicates the difference between things: What distinguishes a good wine from a great one?
It can also mean makes someone or something stand out: Her precision distinguishes her from other surgeons.
To distinguish oneself is to earn recognition through achievement or excellence.
Divides into portions
- differentiatesIdentifies distinguishing features
- discriminatesTreats unfairly by category
- delineatesDescribes or portrays precisely
- demarcatesSets apart by boundaries
discerns · categorizes · classifies · divides · partitions · segregates · sorts · sifts
Visible signs or grades
- characterizesDescribes distinguishing features
- definesStates exact meaning
- typifiesRepresents a class perfectly
- signifiesExpresses or represents meaning
denotes · earmarks · hallmarks · stamps · brands · sets apart · individualizes · particularizes
Performs with superiority
- shinesEmits or reflects radiance
- stands outIs notably conspicuous
- sets apartMakes distinct from rest
- elevatesRaises in position
honors · ennobles · glorifies · exalts · merits · achieves · accomplishes · rises above
Perceives as known
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
- pinpointsLocates with exactness
- detectsDiscovers or notices
- perceivesBecomes aware of something
notices · spots · picks out · singles out · makes out · determines · ascertains · diagnoses
separates
Divides into portions
- differentiatesIdentifies distinguishing features
- discriminatesTreats unfairly by category
- delineatesDescribes or portrays precisely
demarcates · discerns · categorizes · classifies · divides · partitions · segregates · sorts · sifts · parses
marks
Visible signs or grades
- characterizesDescribes distinguishing features
- definesStates exact meaning
- typifiesRepresents a class perfectly
signifies · denotes · earmarks · hallmarks · stamps · brands · sets apart · individualizes · particularizes · trait
excels
Performs with superiority
- shinesEmits or reflects radiance
- stands outIs notably conspicuous
- sets apartMakes distinct from rest
elevates · honors · ennobles · glorifies · exalts · merits · achieves · accomplishes · rises above · outshines
recognizes
Perceives as known
- identifiesEstablishes what something is
- pinpointsLocates with exactness
- detectsDiscovers or notices
perceives · notices · spots · picks out · singles out · makes out · determines · ascertains · diagnoses · verifies
discerns
Recognizes through careful observation
apprehends · sees · observes · notes · registers · senses · grasps · comprehends · deciphers · reads
- distinguished alumniAccomplished former students
- distinguished serviceExcellence warranting official recognition
- distinguished guestHonored invitee of note
- distinguishing markIdentifying characteristic
- distinguished professorElite academic title