Distinguished vs It is exquisite

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Distinguished

FormalTop 3,000 (common)

It is exquisite

FormalTop 3,000 (common)
 DistinguishedIt is exquisite
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃt//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃt//🇬🇧 //ɪkˈskwɪzɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪkˈskwɪzɪt//
MeaningSomeone who is respected and admired for their achievements.It is very beautiful or well-made.
ExampleShe is a distinguished professor known for her research.The dress she wore was exquisite, catching everyone's eye at the gala.
RegisterFormalFormal
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationsdistinguished career, distinguished guest, distinguished service, distinguished scholar, distinguished reputationexquisite taste, exquisite beauty, exquisite detail, exquisite craftsmanship, exquisite experience
Antonymsundistinguished, common, unremarkable, ordinary-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'distinguishable' which refers to being able to identify something., Using in informal contexts where 'great' might suffice., Mispronouncing the word due to its length.Confused with 'exquisite' vs 'excellent'., Overusing 'exquisite' in everyday situations., Not using it to describe sensory experiences.
Usage notesUsed to describe people with notable achievements or qualities. Appropriate in formal contexts like awards or academic references, but less common in casual conversation.Use 'exquisite' in formal contexts to describe art, food, or experiences. It's less suitable for casual conversations.

See it in real clips

Distinguished
It is exquisite

Frequently asked questions: Distinguished vs It is exquisite

What's the difference between Distinguished and It is exquisite?

Distinguished: Someone who is respected and admired for their achievements. It is exquisite: It is very beautiful or well-made.

Can you show an example of each?

Distinguished: She is a distinguished professor known for her research. It is exquisite: The dress she wore was exquisite, catching everyone's eye at the gala.

Can I use Distinguished and It is exquisite interchangeably?

Not always. Distinguished and It is exquisite are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons