contraddistinguere

to distinguish; to characterise

verb kon-trad-dee-STEEN-gweh-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin 'contra' + 'distinguere' (to mark apart).

Usage Note

Contraddistinguere means to set something apart by a specific mark or quality — it conveys a stronger sense of defining differentiation than the simpler distinguere. It is an irregular verb following the pattern of distinguere (past participle: contraddistinto). It takes avere as its auxiliary. Often used in formal writing: il marchio che contraddistingue il prodotto.

Examples

"Un cappotto rosso la contraddistingue dalla folla."

Natural Translation

A red coat sets her apart from the crowd.

Literal Translation

A red coat her distinguishes from the crowd.

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