to mark off as different (often fol. by from or by )

He was distinguished from the other boys by his height.

to recognize as distinct or different; recognize the salient or individual features or characteristics of

It is hard to distinguish her from her twin sister.

to perceive clearly by sight or other sense; discern; recognize

He could not distinguish many of the words.

to set apart as different; be a distinctive characteristic of; characterize

It is his Italian accent that distinguishes him.

to make prominent, conspicuous, or eminent

to distinguish oneself in battle.

to divide into classes; classify

Let us distinguish the various types of metaphor.

Archaic . to single out for or honor with special attention.

to indicate or show a difference (usually fol. by between ).

to recognize or note differences; discriminate.

verb

analyze , ascertain , categorize , characterize , classify , collate , decide , demarcate , determinate , determine , diagnose , diagnosticate , differentiate , discriminate , divide , estimate , extricate , figure out , finger * , identify , individualize , individuate , judge , know , label , make out , mark , mark off , name , part , pinpoint , place , qualify , recognize , select , separate , set apart , set off , sift , signalize , single out , singularize , sort out , specify , spot , tag , tell apart , tell between , tell from , beam * , catch , descry , detect , dig , discover , eye , eyeball , flash * , focus , get a load of , get an eyeful , note , notice , observe , perceive , pick out , pick up on , read , remark , see , spy , take in , tell , view , acknowledge , admire , celebrate , dignify , honor , immortalize , pay tribute to , praise , discern , mind , elevate , ennoble , exalt , define , designate , distinct , distinguish , punctuate , secern , stamp , typify