Difference vs. Distinguish — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Difference" refers to the qualities that make one thing distinct from another, whereas "distinguish" means to recognize or point out the differences.
Difference Between Difference and Distinguish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Difference" is a noun that describes the state or quality that makes one thing not the same as another, whereas "distinguish" is a verb that involves identifying the specific traits that separate one thing from another.
When talking about "difference", it typically relates to inherent qualities or characteristics between objects or concepts, whereas "distinguish" often requires action or perception to identify these unique features.
In use, "difference" can be passive, simply existing between entities without active recognition, while "distinguish" implies an active process of discernment or differentiation.
The term "difference" can be applied broadly across various contexts, from mathematical differences to cultural distinctions, whereas "distinguish" is primarily used in contexts requiring cognitive effort or judgment.
"Difference" can exist without necessarily being observed or noted, focusing more on existence rather than recognition, whereas "distinguish" fundamentally involves observation and acknowledgment of distinctions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
To recognize or note as different; to identify specific characteristics that set apart.
Usage Context
Describes inherent qualities or contrasts.
Involves active discernment and recognition.
Cognitive Effort
None required; passive.
Active; requires perception and judgement.
Example Usage
The cultural differences between countries.
He could distinguish the dialects of different regions.
Compare with Definitions
Difference
The distinct importance or impact of something.
One teacher can make a big difference in a child’s education.
Distinguish
To make clear, mark, or decorate with distinctive attributes.
The uniforms are distinguished by their vibrant colors.
Difference
A significant characteristic that separates two things or people.
The main difference between alligators and crocodiles is their snout shape.
Distinguish
To recognize or treat someone or something as different.
The law distinguishes between premeditated and spontaneous acts.
Difference
A disagreement or dispute regarding opinions or interests.
The difference of opinion led to a heated argument.
Distinguish
To make oneself notable through exceptional abilities or qualities.
She distinguished herself from her colleagues through her commitment to excellence.
Difference
Variance between similar things or people.
The difference in quality between the two products was noticeable.
Distinguish
To perceive or point out a difference.
He could distinguish the scent of pine even from afar.
Difference
The result of subtracting one value from another.
The difference in temperature from morning to night can be drastic.
Distinguish
To mark as different or distinct.
The award distinguishes achievements in various categories.
Difference
The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
Distinguish
Recognize or treat (someone or something) as different
The child is perfectly capable of distinguishing reality from fantasy
Difference
An instance of disparity or unlikeness
There is a big difference in sound between a clarinet and an oboe.
Distinguish
Manage to discern (something barely perceptible)
It was too dark to distinguish anything more than their vague shapes
Difference
A degree or amount by which things differ
A difference in height of three inches.
Distinguish
Make oneself worthy of respect by one's behaviour or achievements
Many distinguished themselves in the fight against Hitler
Difference
A noticeable change or effect
Exercise has made a difference in her health.
Distinguish
To perceive as being different or distinct
Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?.
Difference
A disagreement or controversy
Let's settle our differences.
Distinguish
To perceive distinctly; discern
The lookout distinguished the masts of ships on the horizon.
Difference
Discrimination in taste or choice; distinction
In this case, the law should make no difference between young and old.
Distinguish
To demonstrate or describe as being different or distinct
A scientist who distinguished four species of the plant.
Difference
The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.
Distinguish
To be an identifying characteristic of; make noticeable or different
These spices distinguish this style of Asian cooking.
Difference
The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.
Distinguish
To cause (oneself) to be respected or eminent
They have distinguished themselves as dedicated social workers.
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Distinguish
To perceive or indicate differences; discriminate
Can the child distinguish between right and wrong?.
Difference
(uncountable) The quality of being different.
You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference.
Distinguish
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
Difference
(countable) A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.
There are three differences between these two pictures.
Distinguish
To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.
Difference
(countable) A disagreement or argument.
We have our little differences, but we are firm friends.
Distinguish
To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.
Difference
Significant change in or effect on a situation or state.
It just won't make much difference to me.
It just won't make much of a difference to anyone.
Distinguish
To make to differ.
Difference
(countable) The result of a subtraction; sometimes the absolute value of this result.
The difference between 3 and 21 is 18.
Distinguish
Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.
Not more distinguished by her purple vest,Than by the charming features of her face.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine.
Difference
(obsolete) Choice; preference.
Distinguish
To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth.
Difference
(heraldry) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish two people's bearings which would otherwise be the same. See augmentation and cadency.
Distinguish
To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man,Than of his outward show.
Difference
(logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Distinguish
To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee?
Difference
(logic circuits) A Boolean operation which is true when the two input variables are different but is otherwise false; the XOR operation ().
Distinguish
To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; - with by or for.
Difference
(relational algebra) The set of elements that are in one set but not another ().
Distinguish
To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; - with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Distinguish
To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible.
The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a little knot.
Difference
The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?
Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.
Distinguish
Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple
Difference
Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
What was the difference? It was a contention in public.
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could.
Distinguish
Detect with the senses;
The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
I can't make out the faces in this photograph
Difference
That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of sovereignty.
Distinguish
Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers
Difference
Choice; preference.
That now he chooseth with vile differenceTo be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Distinguish
Make conspicuous or noteworthy
Difference
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.
Distinguish
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Difference
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Difference
The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
Difference
To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest difference gods from men.
Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject.
So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons.
Difference
The quality of being unlike or dissimilar;
There are many differences between jazz and rock
Difference
A variation that deviates from the standard or norm;
The deviation from the mean
Difference
A disagreement or argument about something important;
He had a dispute with his wife
There were irreconcilable differences
The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
Difference
A significant change;
The difference in her is amazing
His support made a real difference
Difference
The number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend
Common Curiosities
Can 'difference' exist without being recognized?
Yes, 'difference' can exist inherently, without the need for it to be recognized or pointed out.
What is the primary function of 'difference'?
The primary function of 'difference' is to denote the state or quality of being unlike or dissimilar.
How does 'distinguish' function in language?
'Distinguish' functions as a verb that involves recognizing and identifying differences.
Is 'difference' only used to describe negative disparities?
No, 'difference' can describe any type of disparity, whether negative, positive, or neutral.
What does it mean to 'distinguish' something in a crowd?
To 'distinguish' something in a crowd means to identify or recognize it as separate and distinct amid other similar entities.
Is 'distinguish' used more in professional or casual contexts?
'Distinguish' is often used in both contexts but may appear more frequently in professional or academic discussions.
What does it mean when someone cannot 'distinguish' colors?
If someone cannot 'distinguish' colors, they are likely colorblind, meaning they cannot differentiate between certain colors.
What are common synonyms for 'distinguish'?
Common synonyms for 'distinguish' include differentiate, discern, and identify.
Can 'difference' be used in a mathematical context?
Yes, in mathematics, 'difference' refers to the result of subtracting one number from another.
Are there any synonyms for 'difference'?
Yes, synonyms for 'difference' include disparity, divergence, and variation.
Can 'difference' lead to bias?
Yes, focusing on differences can sometimes lead to bias if those differences are perceived negatively or used to discriminate.
What skills are necessary to 'distinguish' effectively?
Effective distinguishing requires keen observation, attention to detail, and sometimes expert knowledge.
How does context affect the use of 'difference'?
The context can frame 'difference' as either a simple observation, a technical term, or even a basis for judgment.
Does 'difference' imply a separation?
Yes, 'difference' inherently implies a separation or distinction between entities or ideas.
How can one improve their ability to 'distinguish'?
Improving the ability to distinguish can involve enhancing observational skills, gaining more knowledge about the subject, and practicing discernment.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
