distinguish vs tell

distinguish and tell both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
distinguish	No	No	Yes	No
tell	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, distinguish and tell are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of distinguish include differentiate, secern, secernate, separate, severalise, severalize, tell apart.

distinguish (verb)	tell (verb)
mark as different	discern or comprehend
identify as in botany or biology, for example	mark as different
be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense	let something be known
make conspicuous or noteworthy	narrate or give a detailed account of
detect with the senses	give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority
	give evidence
	express in words
	inform positively and with certainty and confidence