Distinguish

v.thoughtful, capableprofessional

What it means

To recognize or identify a meaningful difference between things.

Reach for it when describing accurate perception that keeps similar items, claims, or signals separate

Experienced guides distinguish fresh tracks from marks left before the rain.

everyday
identify
when correctly naming which item or category is present
not when Identification can succeed without comparing two similar things.
everyday
tell apart
when plain speech is best for recognizing similar people or objects
not when Tell apart is too conversational for a formal analysis or diagnostic report.
professional
differentiate
when features or criteria establish how things differ
not when Differentiate often describes analysis or branding rather than the act of noticing a difference.
professional
discriminate
when fine perception separates one signal or quality from another
not when Discriminate also names unjust treatment, so use it carefully outside technical contexts.
professional
separate
when classification puts different things into distinct groups
not when Separate may physically divide items without recognizing the reason they differ.
formal
discern
when a subtle difference requires careful perception or judgment
not when Discern sounds elevated and may imply uncertainty where the distinction is obvious.

distinguish between
The test can distinguish between harmless residue and active corrosion.
clearly distinguish
The labels clearly distinguish emergency tools from routine supplies.
difficult to distinguish
The two calls were difficult to distinguish until the slower rhythm emerged.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.