distinguish

To see or understand the difference between people or things.

• Can you distinguish the two voices?
• She distinguished the real painting from the copy.
• Children learn to distinguish between right and wrong.

How to use it: distinguish between A and B (Can you distinguish between these two sounds?); distinguish A from B (I cannot distinguish one twin from the other.)

Similar words: tell apart, differentiate

Opposites: confuse

Common phrases: distinguish between things, distinguish someone from someone

To make someone or something stand out as especially good through achievements.

• She distinguished herself at university.
• The officer distinguished himself through exceptional courage.
• Several young musicians have distinguished themselves in this competition.

How to use it: distinguish yourself in something (She distinguished herself in scientific research.); distinguish yourself by doing something (He distinguished himself by leading the rescue.)

Similar words: excel, make a name for

Common phrases: distinguish yourself, distinguish yourself in something