Dictionary
distinguished
adjective dis·tin·guished \-(g)wisht\
: known by many people because of some quality or achievement
: making someone seem important and worth respect
Full Definition of DISTINGUISHED
1
: marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence <distinguished leadership>
2
: befitting an eminent person <a distinguished setting>
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First Known Use of DISTINGUISHED
1714
Related to DISTINGUISHED
Synonym Discussion of DISTINGUISHED
famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide. famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known <a famous actress>. renowned implies more glory and acclamation <one of the most renowned figures in sports history>. celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print <the most celebrated beauty of her day>. noted suggests well-deserved public attention <the noted mystery writer>. notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil <a notorious gangster>. distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority <a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize>. eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character <the country's most eminent writers>. illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person <illustrious war heroes>.
DISTINGUISHED Defined for Kids
distinguished
adjective dis·tin·guished \di-ˈstiŋ-gwisht\
Definition of DISTINGUISHED for Kids
: widely known and admired <a distinguished scientist>
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