distinguish

Can you tell me how I can distinguish between Ecuador and Colombia?

When you 'distinguish' between two things, you recognize that they are different from each other. Notice the following:

1. What is the best way to distinguish between local people and foreigners?
2. They are twins, and it's very difficult to distinguish between them.

easy-going

Ecuadoreans are more easy-going than Colombians.

'Easy-going' people are relaxed and don't get too stressed about things. Notice the following:

1. When you are backpacking, you need to be really easy-going.
2. She's pretty easy-going, so I don't think she'll mind if we change plans.

climate

The climate and the environment are quite different in each country.

When you are talking about general weather patterns during the year, you are talking about the 'climate' of a place. Notice the following:

1. What is the climate like in that part of the country?
2. I would like to live in a place with a warmer climate.

mainly

People from Ecuador and Colombia eat mainly the same kinds of food.

'Mainly' can be replaced with 'generally' or 'mostly.' There are differences between foods from the countries, but most of what they eat is the same. Notice the following:

1. He works mainly during the week, but sometimes he has to work weekends too.
2. She eats mostly fish and seafood, because it's healthier than red meat.

composed of

The food is composed of potatoes and corn.

What something is 'composed of' is what it is made of. Notice the following:

1. Much of the trip will be composed of meetings, but we will get a little time to explore.
2. Most of what they eat here is composed of rice and vegetables.