distinguish

Everyday

1. To see or understand the difference between two or more things: «distinguish between right and wrong». tree →
2. To be able to see, hear or notice something clearly: «I could just distinguish a shape.» tree →
3. To be the thing that makes someone or something different: «Its long neck distinguishes the giraffe.» tree →
4. «Distinguish yourself» means do something very well so people notice and respect you. tree →

In the lessons

In science, pupils distinguish between living and non-living things, or between mammals and reptiles. In reading, they distinguish fact from opinion. In safety lessons, they distinguish safe from unsafe situations, and real messages from scams. Phrases: «distinguish between», «distinguish A from B», «distinguishing features», «distinguish yourself».

Examples

• Can you distinguish between a frog and a toad? tree →
• It was too dark to distinguish the path. tree →
• Learn to distinguish fact from opinion. tree →
• Its black and white fur distinguishes the panda from other bears. tree →
• She distinguished herself by winning every race. tree →
• The twins are so alike it's hard to distinguish them. tree →
• A scam email can be hard to distinguish from a real one. tree →
• ‘How am I to distinguish this awful thing when I see it?’ tree →

Note

Patterns: «distinguish between A and B» or «distinguish A from B». Adjective: «distinguished» (famous and respected; also looking grand). «Distinguishing features» are marks that help identify someone.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah teaches that good and evil are defined by each other, and that each is kept for those who suit it. In the primary lessons: In science, pupils distinguish between living and non-living things, or between mammals and reptiles. In reading, they distinguish fact from opinion. In safety lessons, they distinguish safe from unsafe situations, and real messages from scams. Phrases: «distinguish between», «distinguish A from B», «distinguishing features», «distinguish yourself».

Examples

• Instead, the SY may be intimating a twofold pronunciation of Resh known among certain mediveal Jewish communities in Babylonia and elsewhere, which does indeed preserve a distinguish between ‘single’ Resh and ‘double’ Resh. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Goodness distinguishes evil and evil distinguishes goodness; goodness is kept for the good and evil is kept for the evil. [6:3] Three, but each one stands alone. 7 divided: Three opposite Three, with an edict deciding between them. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Patterns: «distinguish between A and B» or «distinguish A from B». Adjective: «distinguished» (famous and respected; also looking grand). «Distinguishing features» are marks that help identify someone.