What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distinguished
Example
The distinguished professor was known for his groundbreaking research. [distinguished: adjective]
Example
She was distinguished from the other candidates by her impressive qualifications. [distinguished: verb]
notable
Example
The notable author won several awards for her latest book. [notable: adjective]
Example
He became a notable figure in the music industry after releasing his debut album. [notable: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notable is more commonly used than distinguished in everyday language. Notable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while distinguished is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distinguished and notable?
Distinguished is typically associated with a formal and prestigious tone, while notable is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.