distinguishv.
/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/ I. Transitive senses.† 1. † b. To divide or separate (from something else, or from each other). Obsolete.† c. To divide by points; to punctuate. Obsolete.
a. To divide into parts or portions separate in space or time. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > action of dividing or divided condition > divide [verb (transitive)]
to-shedc888
to-dealeOE
dealc950
twemea1023
to-doOE
to-shiftc1122
brittenc1175
sunderc1230
depart1297
parta1300
twain15..
dividec1380
minisha1382
dressc1410
dissever1417
sever1435
quarterc1440
distinct1526
videc1540
disperse1548
several1570
separate1581
dirempt1587
distinguish1609
piecemeal1611
discrete1624
dispart1629
slit1645
parcel1652
canton1653
tripartite1653
split1707
carve1711
scind1869
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Exod. xxxvi. 35 A veile of hiacinth..with embrodered worke, varied and distinguished.
1610 Histrio-mastix i. 200 The face of heaven..is distinguisht into Regions..fil'd with sundry sorts of starres.
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. i. ii. 12 Hee..distinguisht the yeere into twelue Months.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. vi. 149 In the third day..this lower globe was distinguished into earth and water.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 6 The Stone..was distinguished into Strata, or Layers.
1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Geogr. Pref. 540 Geography is a Doctrine shewing the Reason of Distinguishing, and of Measuring the Earth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate [verb (transitive)]
to-twemec893
sunderOE
asunderOE
shedOE
dealOE
shill1049
skillc1175
to-twinc1175
twinc1230
disseverc1250
depart1297
slita1300
to-throwc1315
parta1325
drevec1325
devisec1330
dividec1374
sever1382
unknit?a1425
divorce1430
separea1450
separate?a1475
untine1496
to put apart1530
discussa1542
deceper1547
disseparate1550
apart1563
unjoint1565
shoal1571
divisionatea1586
single1587
dispart1590
descide1598
disassociate1598
distract1600
dissolve1605
discriminate1615
dissociate1623
discerpa1628
discind1640
dissunder1642
distinguish1648
severize1649
unstring1674
skaila1833
cleave1873
dirempt1885
1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. xiii. 69 We cannot certainly avow this America to be continent, nor certainly affirme it to be an Island, distinguished from the old world.
1658 W. Johnson tr. F. Würtz Surgeons Guid ii. xi. 89 The Midriffe, which distinguisheth the Lungs from the Breast.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 55 No Fences parted Fields, nor Marks nor Bounds Distinguish'd Acres of litigious Grounds. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > punctuate [verb (transitive)]
pointa1425
interpoint1595
interpuncta1631
prick1637
distinguish1656
punctuate1675
stop1776
interpunctuate1850
1656 J. Smith Myst. Rhetorique Unvail'd 268 The Points or Notes used by the Learned in distinguishing writing..are not the least part of Orthography.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 266 Thus the words are to be pointed, which have hitherto been falsly distinguish'd.
2. To divide into classes or species; to class, classify.
ΚΠ
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 186 Your schoolemen do distinguishe into workes done, and works to be done.
1613 Bp. J. Hall Holy Panegyrick 28 I might distinguish this seruice into habituall, and actuall.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 94 The inhabitants were..distinguished into artizans and soldiers.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth (1862) I. iv. iii. 423 Mr. Buffon distinguishes this species into two kinds.
1828 R. Knox tr. H. Cloquet Syst. Human Anat. 687 The branches which the radial artery gives to the forearm are distinguished into anterior, posterior, external, and internal.
3.
a. To mark as different or distinct; to separate (things, or one thing from another) by distinctive marks; to indicate the difference of or between; to make or constitute a difference in, to differentiate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > differ from [verb (transitive)] > distinguish or differentiate
to-skillc1175
disguise1340
asunderc1425
differc1450
difference1490
sort1553
distinguish1576
particularize?1593
diversify1594
subdistinguish1610
discriminate1615
severalize1645
specify1645
disresemble1651
estrange1727
discrepate1828
differentialize1833
differentiate1838
dissimilate1876
redifferentiate1970
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > individual [verb (transitive)] > distinguish one thing (from another)
distinguish1576
to mark out1613
denominate1792
1576 A. Fleming Panoplie Epist. Argt. 236 Every several Epistle is distinguished with this mark (*).
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. 1 By the first [Ciuilitie] we are distinguished from bruit-beasts led by sensualitie.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 228 To tincture their nailes and faces with vermillion, serving..to distinguish them from the vulgar sort.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall III. 64 The deaths of his two rivals were distinguished only by the difference of their characters.
1874 J. Parker Paraclete i. xvi. 250 The ‘manifestation of the Spirit’..distinguishes human life from all other creaturedom below it.
b. To mark, as a distinctive mark or character does; to be a characteristic of; to characterize.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > identify or distinguish [verb (transitive)]
to take knowledge ofa1400
character1555
distinguish1600
characterizea1602
remark1633
identify1675
stamp1837
dispunct1842
keynote1877
finger1945
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > characterize
distinguish1600
stamp1600
denominate1616
define1633
marka1661
signalize1698
stamp1837
keynote1877
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. i. 3 Mount Atlas..beginneth westward at that place, where it distinguisheth the Ocean by the name of Atlanticus.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 206 Square stones..set up-an-end, to distinguish the Graves of private Persons.
a1780 J. Harris Philol. Inq. (1781) iii. i. 244 Different portions of this Age [sc. the dark age] have been distinguished by different descriptions; such as Sæculum Monotheleticum, Sæculum Eiconoclasticum, &c.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 321 He..was distinguished by many both of the good and of the bad qualities which belong to aristocrats.
4. † b. To make a distinction in or with respect to; esp., in scholastic use, to draw distinctions between various meanings of (a word or statement); hence, to do away, or out of, bring into (something) by making subtle distinctions. Obsolete.
a. To recognize as distinct or different; to separate mentally (things, or one thing from another); to perceive or note the difference between (things); to draw a distinction between.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discern [verb (transitive)] > recognize as different
sundereOE
distinct1303
knowc1330
distinguea1340
kena1400
tella1425
discern1484
distinguish1561
smell1582
discriminate1637
undifference1654
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 192 Can true repentance stande without faythe? No. But though they can not be seuered, yet they must be distinguished.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. i. 52 Two goodly sonnes..the one so like the other, As could not be distinguish'd but by names. View more context for this quotation
1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 88 Endeavour to distinguish the Notes of a Peal of Bells, one from another while Ringing.
1713 G. Berkeley Three Dialogues Hylas & Philonous iii. 104 I can distinguish Gold, for Example, from Iron.
1809 W. Irving Hist. N.Y. I. iii. viii. 183 It is scarcely possible to distinguish the truth from the fiction with which it is enveloped.
1887 F. M. Müller Sci. Thought 29 That very common error that things which can be distinguished can therefore claim an independent existence.
ΚΠ
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 168 b I deny the Major of this Arguement. In the Minor I distinguish this word Necessitie.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 186 So doe the schoolemen expound, and distinguishe it.
1644 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce (ed. 2) 53 That proverbiall sentence..which also the Peripateticks doe rather distinguish then deny.
1703 D. Defoe Let. to How in Misc. 328 That..they be not distinguish'd out of their Reason and Religion by the Cunning and Artifice of Words.
a1704 J. Locke Posthumous Wks. (1706) 264 You have distinguish'd your self into a safe retreat.
1747 S. Richardson Clarissa I. viii. 50 Thus by subtilty and cunning aiming to distinguish away my duty.
c. To separate as a distinct item.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > individual [verb (transitive)] > separate as a distinct item
distinguish1866
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate [verb (transitive)] > separate from main body
skillc1175
to tell outc1325
shillc1440
sequestrate1513
sorta1535
shoal1571
segregate1579
dismember1580
single1582
scatter1588
disgregate1593
recond1608
sepone1619
sequester1625
canton1653
to cantonize outa1670
portion1777
to set off1795
to comb out1854
distinguish1866
split1924
hive off1931
section1960
separate1962
1866 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Agric. & Prices I. xxi. 530 Items which used to be distinguished are lumped in one general sum.
1885 Times (Weekly ed.) 6 Mar. 14/1 To consider whether the cost of the railway could be distinguished from the other expenditure.
5. To perceive distinctly or clearly (by sight, hearing, or other bodily sense); to ‘make out’ by looking, listening, etc.; to recognize.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > [verb (transitive)] > apprehend distinctly
discern1539
distinguish1594
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. M3v No man could distinguish what he said. View more context for this quotation
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xx. 201 Euery one here's that That can distinguish sence.
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 249 We saw the form of a body covered with linnen, without being able to distinguish more.
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 31 When they were near enough, I could distinguish them to be three handsome Women.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. i. 9 He distinguished the voices of men in the room above.
1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. v. 182 An eagle..can distinguish objects at a distance at which they would be to us altogether imperceptible.
6. To single out, notice specially; to pay particular attention to, honour with special attention. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > pay due or particular attention to
acknowledge?1526
regard1526
observe1560
advise?1567
distinguish1607
follow1824
to tip one's hat (or cap)1975
1607 J. Davies Let. in Hist. Tracts (1787) 228 My Lord-Deputy..did presently distinguish the business that was to be done.
1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane Ded. I cannot help Distinguishing the last Instance very particularly.
1748 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 17 May (1932) (modernized text) III. 1150 His Polish majesty has distinguished you. I hope you received that mark of distinction with respect and with steadiness.
1780 S. Johnson Let. 6 Apr. (1992) III. 228 Do not let new friends supplant the old, they who first distinguished you have the best claim to your attention.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxvi. 363 If [they] would do him the honour to look at a little bit of a shrubbery..they would distinguish him very much.
1851 J. Ruskin Stones of Venice I. Pref. p. vi The work of the Marchese Selvatico is..to be distinguished with respect.
7. To make prominent, conspicuous, remarkable, or eminent in some respect. (In the quots. from Dryden, involving the notion of adornment; cf. distinct adj. 6) Now usually reflexive or passive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > state of being noteworthy or remarkable > render noteworthy [verb (transitive)]
distinguea1340
point1532
distinguish1600
signalize1613
to stand out1911
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. ii. 376 Nature having distinguished it with rivers, harbours and most commodious baies.
1677 J. Dryden State Innocence iv. i. 30 The ruddy fruit, distinguish'd ore with gold.
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Cymon & Iphigenia 96 Not more distinguished by her purple vest Than by the charming features of her face.
1741 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 25 July (1932) (modernized text) II. 460 At dinner, his awkwardness distinguishes itself particularly.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xiii. 268 He had distinguished himself on every frontier of the empire.
1823 C. Lamb in London Mag. May 536/1 A peculiar sort of sweet pudding..distinguished the days of his coming.
1881 J. Russell Haigs of Bemersyde v. 108 Robert Haig distinguished himself in the battle by taking Lord Evers a prisoner.
II. Intransitive senses.† 9. intransitive (for reflexive). To become distinguished or differentiated. Obsolete. rare.
8. To make or draw a distinction; to perceive or note the difference between things; to exercise discernment; to discriminate.† c. to distinguish of: to make distinctions with regard to (something), esp. in scholastic use (= 4b); to perceive or note the difference between (things) = 4, 8b; to judge of, discriminate between. to distinguish upon: to make (scholastic or subtle) distinctions with regard to. Obsolete.
a. absol. (in quot. 1647, with clause.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discern, discriminate [verb (intransitive)]
winnowc1175
deem1340
knowa1398
discerna1413
perceive1495
descry1582
distinguish1612
discriminate1645
difference1646
differentiate1855
discrepate1894
1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 173 If his wit be not apt to distinguish, or find difference, let him Study the Schoolemen.
1647 J. Saltmarsh Sparkles of Glory Ep. Ded. (1847) 7 Distinguishing to ye, that their Ordination was from the Bishops, as Ministers, not as Bishops.
1825 S. T. Coleridge Aids Refl. 19 It is a dull and obtuse mind, that must divide in order to distinguish; but it is a still worse, that distinguishes in order to divide.
1861 H. S. Maine Anc. Law iii. 52 The propensity to distinguish characteristic of a lawyer.
b. with between: = 4 (The usual construction.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discern [verb (transitive)] > distinguish, separate
winnowc825
tryc1330
distinguea1340
divide1377
departc1380
devisea1400
sever1426
perceivea1500
deem1530
discern1533
searcec1535
sort1553
to pick outa1555
decern1559
difference1596
distinguisha1616
severalize1645
separate1651
secern1656
run1795
define1807
sequester1841
differentiate1857
divaricate1868
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 312 Since I could distinguish betweene a benefit, and an iniury. View more context for this quotation
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. vii. 246 A Capacity of distinguishing between Truth and falsshood.
1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight v. 64 A locomotive engineer who cannot distinguish between red and green, does not know the difference between danger and safety.
ΚΠ
a1592 H. Smith Wks. (1866–7) I. 97 To defend usury, they distinguish upon it, as they distinguish of lying. As they say, there is a pernicious lie, and an officious lie, and a merry lie, and a godly lie; so [etc.].
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 ii. i. 134 Sight may distinguish of colours, but sodeinly to nominate them all, it is impossible.
1646 H. Lawrence Of Communion & Warre with Angels 177 They have a certaine taste..by which they can distinguish of food.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. vi. 14 The term navigable must be distinguished on.
1678 tr. A. de Courtin Rules Civility (rev. ed.) xvi. 178 Able to judge and distinguish of styles.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > be different [verb (intransitive)]
diversec1384
discorda1387
swervea1400
differ?c1400
varyc1400
differencec1425
square?c1450
abhor1531
repugna1538
dissent1539
recede1570
discrepate1590
ablude1610
decline1615
to stand offa1616
particularize1637
distinguish1649
deviate1692
to stand apart1709
veer1796
to be a long way from1917
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > individual [verb (intransitive)] > become distinct or separate
distinguish1649
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar 199 The little embryo..first distinguishes into a little knot, and that in time will be the heart, and then into a bigger bundle.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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