tell apart
Recognize as different
To tell apart is to distinguish between similar things or people, recognizing what makes each one different: The twins were so identical I couldn't tell them apart.
The phrase emphasizes the difficulty of differentiation—you tell apart things that could easily be confused.
Recognize as distinct
- discriminateTreat unequally based on category
- separateTo set apart
- classifyArrange by shared traits
- categorizeAssign to distinct groups
sort · sift · analyze · individualize · particularize · specify · characterize · segregate
Perceive with careful attention
- detectNotice or discover
- noticeBecome aware of
- observePerceive with attention
- recognizePerceive as known
identify · spot · perceive · see · make out · pick out · pinpoint · sight
Assess relative likeness
- juxtaposePlace together for contrast
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- differenceWay things contrast
- disparityMeasurable difference between things
variance · divergence · discrepancy · dissimilarity · gap · dichotomy · deviation · incongruity
Establish who or what
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- realizeBecome aware of
- understandGrasp the meaning
- comprehendTo fully understand
grasp · know · place · recall · remember · familiarity · awareness · cognizance
distinguish
Recognize as distinct
- discriminateTreat unequally based on category
- separateTo set apart
- classifyArrange by shared traits
categorize · sort · sift · analyze · individualize · particularize · specify · characterize · segregate · subdivide
discern
Perceive with careful attention
recognize · identify · spot · perceive · see · make out · pick out · pinpoint · sight · glimpse
compare
Assess relative likeness
- juxtaposePlace together for contrast
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- differenceWay things contrast
disparity · variance · divergence · discrepancy · dissimilarity · gap · dichotomy · deviation · incongruity · variation
identify
Establish who or what
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- realizeBecome aware of
- understandGrasp the meaning
comprehend · grasp · know · place · recall · remember · familiarity · awareness · cognizance · insight
- selection wordschoose, select, handpick, cherry-pick, single out