distinguished
Meaning: Successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect, especially in a particular profession or field.
Distinguished conveys both achievement and dignity. 'A distinguished career,' 'a distinguished professor,' and 'a distinguished record of service' are standard collocations. It can also describe a person's appearance — 'distinguished-looking' suggests elegance, often with greying hair and an air of authority. In academic contexts, 'Distinguished Professor' is a formal title bestowed on senior scholars. The word implies sustained excellence rather than fleeting fame.
Examples
- The award is given annually to a distinguished figure in the field of public health. 该奖项每年颁发给公共卫生领域的一位杰出人物。El premio se concede anualmente a una figura distinguida en el ámbito de la salud pública.この賞は毎年、公衆衛生分野の傑出した人物に授与される。이 상은 매년 공중보건 분야의 걸출한 인물에게 수여된다.
- He cut a distinguished figure in his dark suit, silver hair swept back from his forehead. 他身着深色西装,银发向后梳理,气度不凡。Tenía un porte distinguido con su traje oscuro y el cabello plateado peinado hacia atrás.彼はダークスーツに銀髪を後ろになでつけた、風格ある姿をしていた。그는 다크 수트에 은발을 뒤로 넘긴 풍채 있는 모습이었다.
- After a distinguished career spanning four decades, she retired as the university's longest-serving vice-chancellor. 经过长达四十年的杰出职业生涯,她以该大学任期最长的副校长身份退休。Tras una distinguida carrera de cuatro décadas, se jubiló como la vicerrectora con más años de servicio de la universidad.40年にわたる輝かしい経歴の後、彼女はその大学で最も在任期間の長い副学長として退任した。40년에 걸친 빛나는 경력을 마치고, 그녀는 그 대학에서 최장 재임 부총장으로 퇴임했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From the past participle of distinguish, from Latin distinguere (to separate, mark off), from dis- (apart) + stinguere (to prick, quench). The sense of 'eminent, noteworthy' developed in the 17th century from the idea of being 'set apart' from others.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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