Differentiate

//dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Something that has been differentiated or stratified.

    "There is no discernable tendency, however, for the differentiates to fall into two extremities, as would be expected if they were trending toward distinct eutectics in a residua system."

Verb
  1. 1
    To modify so as to create a difference or distinction. transitive

    "A humble instance of Ablaut may be quoted which took place in the seventeenth century, when the word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than."

  2. 2
    become distinct and acquire a different character wordnet
  3. 3
    To show or be the difference or distinction between things. transitive

    "What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?"

  4. 4
    evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment wordnet
  5. 5
    To recognize as different or distinct. transitive

    "How do you differentiate a fake smile from a genuine one?"

Show 9 more definitions
  1. 6
    become different during development wordnet
  2. 7
    To calculate the derivative of a function. transitive
  3. 8
    calculate a derivative; take the derivative wordnet
  4. 9
    To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables. transitive
  5. 10
    mark as different wordnet
  6. 11
    To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate. intransitive

    "he refused to instruct that actual intent to harm or recklessness had to be found before punitive damages could be awarded, or that a verdict for respondent should differentiate between compensatory and punitive damages."

  7. 12
    be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense wordnet
  8. 13
    To teach a lesson in multiple different ways in order to meet the needs of more or less advanced students. intransitive

    "Like most teaching, differentiating is a mix of art and science. When it works, "it's like a jazz rhythm," said Carol Tomlinson, an education professor at the University of Virginia and an expert on differentiation."

  9. 14
    To (cause to) go through a process of development called differentiation; to make or become different in form or function. intransitive, transitive

    "In Chapter IV we learned that every animal consists of a body, or soma, formed of cells that are differentiated from the germ cells usually at an early stage of development."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From New Latin differentiātus, perfect passive participle of differentiō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix)), from Latin differentia (“difference”); see difference.

Etymology 2

From New Latin differentiātus, perfect passive participle of differentiō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix)), from Latin differentia (“difference”); see difference.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Want a quick game? Try Word Finder.