Webster's English Dictionary

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distinguish

dis.tin.guish \dis-'tin-gwish\ \-*-b*l\ \-ble-\ vb [MF distinguer, fr. L 
   distinguere, lit., to separate by pricking, f]r. dis- + -stinguere (akin to 
   L instigare to urge on) - more at STICK 1: to perceive as being separate or 
   different  2a: to mark as separate or different  2b: to separate into 
   kinds, classes, or categories  2c: to set above or apart from others  2d: 
   CHARACTERIZE  3a: DISCERN  3b: to single out  : to perceive a difference  - 
   dis.tin.guish.able aj