What is distinguish? Pronunciation and usage in English

distinguish means . Learn how to pronounce and use distinguish through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of distinguish

distinguishverb

/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of distinguish

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "distinguish." It can be tricky! Here’s a breakdown with phonetic guidance and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈdɪs tɪn g wɪʃ

Breakdown and How to Say It:

  1. dis: Pronounced like "dis" in "disappointment." It's a short, quick "dis" sound.

  2. tih: Pronounced like "tee" as in “tea” but a very short and quick “ih” sound.

  3. ng: This is the trickiest part! It’s pronounced like the "ng" in “sing”. It's a single, nasal sound – you make the sound with your nose and mouth simultaneously.

  4. wih: Pronounced like "wee" as in “wet” but a very quick “ih” sound.

  5. sh: Pronounced like the "sh" in "shoe."

Putting it all together:

Say it slowly: “Dis-tee-ng-wee-sh”

Then, build up the speed: “Dis-tihng-wihsh”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Nasal “ng”: The key is the nasal “ng.” Think about trying to hum while saying “sing.” You'll feel the vibration in your nose.
  • Short Vowels: Keep the vowels short and crisp. Don't over-elongate them.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: dis.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word with a similar sound (like “sing” or “ring”) to help you practice the “ng”?

Usage and examples with the word distinguish in English

Let's break down how to use the word "distinguish" in English. It's a versatile word with a slightly formal feel, but it's important and useful to know how to employ it correctly.

1. Core Meaning: To Recognize the Difference

At its heart, "distinguish" means to recognize or point out a difference between things. It’s about identifying what makes one thing different from another.

2. Common Ways to Use "Distinguish"

Here's how you use it in various contexts, with examples:

  • Between: This is by far the most common usage.

    • Example: “It’s important to distinguish between fact and opinion.” (Recognize the difference)
    • Example: “The doctor was able to distinguish the symptoms of the two illnesses.” (Recognize the difference)
    • Example: "I want to distinguish my brand from the competition." (Recognize the difference between your brand and others.)

  • As / From: Similar to "between," but can be more emphatic.

    • Example: “She distinguished herself as a talented musician.” (She stood out as a talented musician.)
    • Example: “He distinguished his work from that of his colleagues.” (His work was noticeably different from theirs.)

  • Distinguish… from…: This is a very common and clear construction.

    • Example: "Please distinguish this document from the previous version." (Make it clear this is a different document.)
    • Example: “It’s difficult to distinguish blue from green in this light.” (Recognize the difference in color)

  • Distinguish + Verb (adverbial): "Distinguish" can act as an adverb describing how something is done.

    • Example: “He distinguished himself by his courage.” (He acted with courage, setting him apart.)
    • Example: “The judge distinguished the case from previous rulings.” (The judge made a separate assessment of the case).

3. Synonyms

Here are some words that have similar meanings to "distinguish," depending on the nuance you want to convey:

  • Differentiate: Very close in meaning – often interchangeable.
  • Recognize: General term (recognizing something)
  • Identify: To pinpoint something specifically.
  • Separate: To make things apart.
  • Distinct: (Adjective) – Having a clear difference. “They are distinct personalities.”

4. Formal vs. Informal

"Distinguish" is generally considered more formal than "differentiate." You'll often see it in writing (academic papers, formal reports) and more serious conversations. "Differentiate" is perfectly acceptable in most everyday contexts.

5. Example Sentences (Variety)

  • “The museum curators worked hard to distinguish the artifacts from modern imitations.”
  • “It was difficult to distinguish his voice over the music.”
  • “She hoped to distinguish her career with her innovative ideas.”
  • "The teacher asked the students to distinguish between persuasive and argumentative writing.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Could you give me an example sentence where you’re trying to use “distinguish”? I can then tell you if it’s the best word and how to phrase it more effectively.

Synonyms for the word distinguish

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