distinguished figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguished figure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is a respected or important figure in a particular field or community. For example, "Mary Smith is a distinguished figure in the art world, having been featured in multiple international exhibitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Six floral kingdoms Boreal (Holarctic), Paleotropical, Neotropical, South African (Capensic), Australian, and Antarctic are commonly distinguished (Figure 1).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The topology of phylogenetic tree based on rbcL sequences also show that four clades are distinguished (Figure 15).

Botanical Studies

Our PSDM image (Figures 3a and 4) shows a relatively transparent frontal prism, although several landward dipping discontinuous reflections can be distinguished (Figure 4).

Earth, Planets and Space

Importantly, in the 3-D image, the structural details like pseudopodia and cellular microvilli could be more easily distinguished (Figure 1b).

Nanoscale Research Letters

The processed tracks of HOPG were larger than those of mica and MoS2, and the wear tracks overlapped and could not be distinguished (Figure 17d), even at the same line intervals as those of the other two materials.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Considering that requirements in terms of section thickness and invasiveness effects of sample preparation are not necessarily shared by the different analytical techniques, different cases are distinguished (Figure 8). Figure 8 Schematic view of the main strategies for the combined analysis of painting thin-sections.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It had been headed for years by Eliel Saarinen, and had spawned Charles Eames, among other distinguished figures.

The New Yorker

The Arts Arena's Advisory Council includes distinguished figures in diverse fields of artistic creation.

Columbia University

He sent distinguished figures out on great missions and had no time for them when they returned.

The Guardian

Its writers have included many distinguished figures of the American political right.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a professor, dean, and criminal law scholar, Alexander F. and May T. Morrison Professor of Law, Emeritus, Sanford Kadish has been one of Boalt's most distinguished figures.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguished figure" to describe someone who has earned significant respect and recognition within a particular field or community due to their achievements, contributions, or character.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguished figure" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality that might sound out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguished figure" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where the adjective "distinguished" modifies the noun "figure". Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in identifying individuals who are notable and respected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinguished figure" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an individual who is highly respected and prominent in their field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While interchangeable with alternatives like "prominent individual" or "esteemed person", it's best reserved for formal or neutral contexts to maintain its intended impact. Using the phrase accurately enhances the credibility and respect associated with the subject being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esteemed person

Replaces "figure" with "person", maintaining the sense of respect and importance.

prominent individual

Uses "prominent" instead of "distinguished" and "individual" instead of "figure", focusing on their visibility and importance.

renowned personality

Substitutes "distinguished" with "renowned" and "figure" with "personality", emphasizing their fame and character.

notable personage

Employs "notable" for "distinguished" and "personage" for "figure", lending a more formal and somewhat archaic tone.

celebrated character

Replaces "distinguished" with "celebrated" and "figure" with "character", highlighting their widely recognized achievements and traits.

respected leader

Focuses on leadership qualities, implying that the person is admired and followed.

venerated authority

Highlights their position of authority and the deep respect they command.

illustrious name

Shifts focus to the reputation and legacy associated with their name.

important dignitary

Indicates someone holding a high rank or position, often in a formal context.

leading light

Metaphorically describes someone who is influential and serves as a role model.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguished figure" in a sentence?

Use "distinguished figure" to describe someone who is highly respected and prominent in a specific field. For example, "She is a distinguished figure in the field of astrophysics."

What are some alternatives to "distinguished figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "prominent individual", "esteemed person", or "renowned personality".

Is "distinguished figure" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "distinguished figure" is well-suited for formal writing. It conveys respect and highlights the importance of the individual being described.

What characteristics define a "distinguished figure"?

A "distinguished figure" is typically characterized by significant achievements, widespread recognition, and a high level of respect within their field. They often have a lasting impact and serve as role models.