'Distinguishing' definitions:

Definition of 'Distinguishing'

From: GCIDE
  • Distinguish \Dis*tin"guish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distinguished; p. pr. & vb. n. Distinguishing.] [F. distinguer, L. distinguere, distinctum; di- = dis- + stinguere to quench, extinguish; prob. orig., to prick, and so akin to G. stechen, E. stick, and perh. sting. Cf. Extinguish.]
  • 1. Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic. [1913 Webster]
  • Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by the charming features of her face. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine. --Nares. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth. --T. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood. --Watts. [1913 Webster]
  • Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his outward show. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ. [1913 Webster]
  • Who distinguisheth thee? --1 Cor. iv.
  • 7. (Douay version). [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Distinguishing'

From: GCIDE
  • Distinguishing \Dis*tin"guish*ing\, a. Constituting difference, or distinction from everything else; distinctive; peculiar; characteristic. [1913 Webster]
  • The distinguishing doctrines of our holy religion. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • Distinguishing pennant (Naut.), a special pennant by which any particular vessel in a fleet is recognized and signaled. --Simmonds. [1913 Webster]