From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguo, from di-, dis- ("apart") + stinguere, related to English stink.

• enPR: dĭ-stĭngʹgwĭsh, IPA: /dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

distinguish (distinguishes, present participle distinguishing; simple past and past participle distinguished)

1. To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

   Synonyms: differentiate, discriminate, Thesaurus:tell apart

   Antonyms: confuse

2. To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.

   Synonyms: discern, make out

3. (transitive, reflexive) To make noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.

   The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.

   • 1784: William Jones, The Description and Use of a New Portable Orrery, &c., [http://www.google.co.uk/books?id=4SoIAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA1&dq=ph%C3%A6nomena#PPA1,M1 PREFACE]

     THE favourable reception the Orrery has met with from Perſons of the firſt diſtinction, and from Gentlemen and Ladies in general, has induced me to add to it ſeveral new improvements in order to give it a degree of Perfection; and diſtinguiſh it from others; which by Piracy, or Imitation, may be introduced to the Public.

4. To confer an honor upon.

   The soldier was distinguished with a medal for his bravery.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To make to differ.
   • 1749, The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  […] Newly reviſed, and corrected according to the Clementin Edition of the Scriptures (Douay–Rheims Bible, Challoner Revision), 1 Corinthians 4:7, page 317 ↗:

     For who diſtinguiſheth thee?

• contradistinguish
• distinct
• distinction
• distinctive
• extinguish

• French: distinguer
• German: unterscheiden
• Italian: distinguere, discernere
• Portuguese: distinguir
• Russian: различа́ть
• Spanish: distinguir

• French: distinguer
• German: erkennen
• Russian: отлича́ть

• French: (se) distinguer
• German: auszeichnen
• Italian: distinguersi
• Russian: отлича́ться