Differentiate

Quick meaning: Differentiate is a verb meaning To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.

Meaning

To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.

More Meanings

1. To show or be the difference or distinction between things.
2. To recognize as different or distinct.
3. To calculate the derivative of a function.
4. To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
5. To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.
6. To teach a lesson in multiple different ways in order to meet the needs of more or less advanced students.
7. (transitive, intransitive, often in the passive voice, biology) To (cause to) go through a process of development called differentiation; to make or become different in form or function.

Example Sentences

What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

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

Taste differentiates a gentleman—for instance, Mr. Addison—from a Hottentot or Laplander.

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.

Word Forms

• differentiates
• differentiating
• differentiated

Synonyms for differentiate

Depending on context, synonyms include differentialize, change, transform, distinguish, individualize, particularize.

Antonyms for differentiate

Common opposites include equate, mix up, preserve, conflate, integrate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include distinguish, secern, severalize, tell, separate, mark.

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