'distinguish' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distinguere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'stinguere' meant 'to prick or mark.'

'distinguere' transformed into the Old French word 'distinguer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distinguish' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to separate by pricking or marking,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to recognize or treat as different.'