verb (v)

• mark as different(verb.cognition)

  Example:
  We distinguish several kinds of maple.
  

  Synonym:
  differentiate, secern, secernate, separate, severalise, severalize, tell, tell apart
  

  source: wordnet30
• detect with the senses(verb.perception)

  Synonym:
  discern, make out, pick out, recognise, recognize, spot, tell apart
  

  source: wordnet30
• be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense(verb.cognition)

  Example:
  His modesty distinguishes him from his peers.
  

  Synonym:
  differentiate, mark
  

  source: wordnet30
• make conspicuous or noteworthy(verb.communication)

  Synonym:
  signalise, signalize
  

  source: wordnet30
• identify as in botany or biology, for example(verb.cognition)

  Synonym:
  describe, discover, identify, key, key out, name
  

  source: wordnet30
• Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.(verb)

  source: webster1913
• To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; -- with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.(verb)

  source: webster1913