Definitions of distinguish:

• verb:   mark as different

  Example: "We distinguish several kinds of maple"

• verb:   be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense

  Example: "His modesty distinguishes him form his peers"

• verb:   detect with the senses
• verb:   make conspicuous or noteworthy
• verb:   identify as in botany or biology, for example