distinguish

verb

• recognize or treat (someone or something) as different:the child is perfectly capable of distinguishing reality from fantasy
• [no object] perceive or point out a difference:bees are unable to distinguish between red, black, and various grays
• manage to discern (something barely perceptible):it was too dark to distinguish anything more than their vague shapes
• be an identifying or characteristic mark or property of:what distinguishes sports from games?
• (distinguish oneself) make oneself prominent and worthy of respect through one’s behavior or achievements:many distinguished themselves in the fight