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"Distinctive" is an adjective which is often translated as "distintivo", and "distinguish" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "distinguir". Learn more about the difference between "distinctive" and "distinguish" below.
distinctive(
dihs
-
dihngk
-
dihv
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (unique)
a. distintivo
We were able to identify the species from its distinctive ear markings.Pudimos identificar la especie por las marcas distintivas de sus orejas.
b. característico
We easily identified the quetzal from its distinctive plumage and long tail.Identificamos fácilmente el quetzal por su plumaje característico y cola larga.
c. personal
I wondered where she got that distinctive gesture, until I met her mother and saw the same gesture.Me preguntaba de dónde había sacado ese gesto personal hasta que conocí a su mamá y vi el mismo gesto.
d. inconfundible
I heard Jessica's distinctive laugh coming from inside as I arrived, and knew it was going to be a good party.Oí la risa inconfundible de Jessica procedente del interior al llegar y supe que iba a ser una buena fiesta.
e. particular
The hotel was built in a former convent, with thick stone walls and distinctive decor.El hotel fue construido en un antiguo convento con gruesas paredes de cantera y una decoración particular.
f. peculiar
The women in the retirement community developed their own distinctive style of dressing.Las mujeres de la comunidad de jubilados desarrollaron un estilo peculiar de vestir.
distinguish(
dihs
-
tihng
-
gwihsh
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. distinguir
The siblings looked so much alike that we couldn't distinguish one from the other.Los hermanos se parecían tanto que no podíamos distinguir uno del otro.
a. distinguir de
The author explored the experiences that distinguished her from her peers.La autora explora las experiencias que la distinguieron de sus pares.
b. diferenciar de
What distinguishes him from the other students is his passion for knowledge.Lo que lo diferencia de los otros alumnos es su pasión por el conocimiento.
3. (to discern)
a. distinguir
I couldn't distinguish the figures on the horizon without my glasses.No podía distinguir las figuras en el horizonte sin mis gafas.
a. distinguirse
The soldier's bravery helped him to distinguish himself among his colleagues during the war.La valentía del soldado lo ayudó a distinguirse entre sus colegas durante la guerra.
b. destacarse
The lawyer distinguished himself in his field by never losing a case.El abogado se destacó en su campo no perdiendo jamás un caso.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (to discern)
a. distinguir
In the darkness, I couldn't distinguish between my brother's car and mine.En la oscuridad, no podía distinguir entre el carro de mi hermano y el mío.
