Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by
the charming features of her face. --Dryden.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the
eglantine. --Nares.
2. To separate by definition of terms or logical division of
a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish
sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into
those that belong to the heavens, and those that
belong to the earth. --T. Burnet.
3. To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic
quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything)
from other things with which it might be confounded; as,
to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as
well as truth from falsehood. --Watts.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his
outward show. --Shak.
4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee? --1 Cor. iv.
7. (Douay
version).
5. To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make
eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; -- with by
or for.``To distinguish themselves by means never tried
before.'' --Johnson.
Syn: To mark; discriminate; differentiate; characterize;
discern; perceive; signalize; honor; glorify.
The most distinguished politeness. --Mad. D'
Arblay.
2. Separated from others by distinct difference; having, or
indicating, superiority; eminent or known; illustrious; --
applied to persons and deeds.
Syn: Marked; noted; famous; conspicuous; celebrated;
transcendent; eminent; illustrious; extraordinary;
prominent. -- {Distinguished}, {Eminent}, {Conspicuous},
{Celebrated}, {Illustrious}. A man is eminent, when he
stands high as compared with those around him;
conspicuous, when he is so elevated as to be seen and
observed; distinguished, when he has something which
makes him stand apart from others in the public view;
celebrated, when he is widely spoken of with honor and
respect; illustrious, when a splendor is thrown around
him which confers the highest dignity.