distinguishing

[dih-sting-gwi-shing]

adjective

1. distinctive; characteristic, as a definitive feature of an individual or group.

   Intricate rhyming is a distinguishing feature of her poetry.

Other Word Forms

• distinguishingly adverb
• nondistinguishing adjective
• self-distinguishing adjective
• undistinguishing adjective
• undistinguishingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of distinguishing¹

First recorded in 1660–70; distinguish + -ing ²

Example Sentences

But not before distinguishing herself as a notably reprehensible candidate.

From Los Angeles Times

Nextdoor first launched a private social network in the U.S. for neighborhoods in 2011, distinguishing itself from Facebook, where people connect to friends and family.

From Los Angeles Times

He criticizes the U.S.-Israeli narrative distinguishing “the people” from “the regime,” noting that wartime solidarity has erased this dichotomy.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond his impressive height, one of O’Neal’s most distinguishing traits is his sense of humor.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside the evening jacket of the disciplined concert artist lay an irreverent commentator on the absurdity of the world, who saw laughter as the distinguishing feature of humanity.

From BBC