Distinguished

adj.capable, thoughtfulformal

What it means

Widely respected because of substantial achievement, judgment, or service.

Reach for it when honoring an established record rather than surface prestige

The distinguished botanist spent her final decade training volunteer recorders.

everyday
respected
when earned regard is sufficient
not when Respect may be local or personal without a distinguished public record.
warm
esteemed
when affectionate professional regard is central
not when Esteem reflects others' opinion and may not identify the achievements.
professional
accomplished
when demonstrated skill and completed work matter
not when A highly accomplished newcomer may not yet be distinguished.
professional
notable
when importance deserves measured recognition
not when Notable may refer to one unusual feature rather than sustained merit.
formal
decorated
when official awards provide the evidence
not when Awards are not required for a distinguished career.
formal
eminent
when high standing within a profession is established
not when Eminent is grander and focuses on rank more than character.
literary
illustrious
when celebrated history suits ceremonial language
not when Illustrious can sound excessive for quiet professional excellence.

distinguished career
Her distinguished career joined rigorous science with generous teaching.
distinguished guest
The distinguished guest asked to sit among the student volunteers.
distinguished service
A civic medal recognized forty years of distinguished service.

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