distinguish vs differentiate

Both 'distinguish' and 'differentiate' are correct and commonly used in English. They are synonyms that can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are subtle differences in their usage. 'Distinguish' is often used to highlight the unique qualities or characteristics of something, while 'differentiate' is used to emphasize the contrast or distinction between two or more things.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1028 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"distinguish"

To recognize or point out the difference between two or more things, or to perceive clearly the distinction between them.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 8, 2023 ... verb ; a · to mark as separate or different · distinguishes ; b · to separate into kinds, classes, or categories. distinguish words by their part of ...
4 days ago ... distinguish verb [I/T] (SEPARATE) ... to recognize or understand the difference between two things, or to provide a quality that makes someone or ...
to recognize as distinct or different; recognize the salient or individual features or characteristics of: It is hard to distinguish her from her twin sister.
synonyms for distinguish · analyze · categorize · characterize · determine · differentiate · discriminate · divide · figure out ...
From Middle English distingwen, from Old French distinguer, from Latin distinguere (“to separate, divide, distinguish, set off, adorn, literally mark off”), ...
Sep 11, 2001 ... Gene expression patterns of breast carcinomas distinguish tumor subclasses with clinical implications. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
Jul 25, 2019 ... Variable utility of mosaic attenuation to distinguish fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Mar 9, 2022 ... Whether conducting research in the social sciences, humanities (especially history), arts, or natural sciences, the ability to distinguish ...
Recommendations to distinguish behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia from psychiatric disorders. Brain. 2020 Jun 1;143(6):1632-1650. doi: ...

Alternatives:

differentiate
discern
discriminate
identify
recognize

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"differentiate"

To recognize or point out the difference between two or more things, or to perceive clearly the distinction between them.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is also essential to be able to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals.
It is appropriate to differentiate the fee accordingly.
And by doing so, we can differentiate the surfaces.
The various national and local quality grading systems can differentiate according to variety groups and specific first processing needs.
On the other hand, a rapidly enlarging Union must differentiate internally, employing a process of closer cooperation.
The applicant proposed to differentiate the two products by the use of standards.
We also need to differentiate the other sources of crude oil as soon as possible.
I can't even differentiate which of these symbols are letters or numbers.
Therefore, the first thing we must do is to differentiate.
Our task is to coordinate and differentiate.
Manufacturers may differentiate their passenger car types into variants and further still into versions.
Methods to differentiate a mutant of the micro-organism from the parent wild strain.
It is therefore also important to differentiate in future between financial and product transactions.
We also managed to differentiate northern hake from southern hake, with two different proposals.
At the same time it does not seem appropriate to differentiate the component of the aid.
Member States may differentiate the aid level depending on the quality of the tobacco delivered.
When a society has no coloured trousers to differentiate class, then there is no goal.
Also a Gram stain can be prepared: this test will differentiate C. m. subsp. sepedonicus from Erwinia spp.
Russ and Font, go talk to the medical examiner, see if she can differentiate what kind of water was in the lungs.

Alternatives:

distinguish
discern
discriminate
identify
recognize

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distinguish vs differentiate

"distinguish"

"differentiate"

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