differentiate

[dif-uh-ren-shee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

differentiated, differentiating 

1. to form or mark differently from other such things; distinguish.

2. to change; alter.

3. to perceive the difference in or between.

   Synonyms: separate

4. to make different by modification, as a biological species.

5. Mathematics.,  to obtain the differential or the derivative of.

verb (used without object)

differentiated, differentiating 

1. to become unlike or dissimilar; change in character.

2. to make a distinction.

3. Biology.,  (of cells or tissues) to change from relatively generalized to specialized kinds, during development.

differentiate

/ ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to serve to distinguish between

2. to perceive, show, or make a difference (in or between); discriminate

3. (intr) to become dissimilar or distinct

4. maths to perform a differentiation on (a quantity, expression, etc)

5. (intr) (of unspecialized cells, etc) to change during development to more specialized forms

Other Word Forms

• differentiator noun
• differentiation noun
• interdifferentiate verb (used with object)
• redifferentiate verb
• self-differentiating adjective
• undifferentiated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of differentiate¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from Medieval Latin differentiātus distinguished (past participle of differentiāre ), equivalent to Latin different(ia) difference + -ātus -ate ¹

Synonym Study

See distinguish.

Example Sentences

Hamilton seems not to have been able to adapt as readily as others to this, or at least has not been able to differentiate himself as much.

From BBC

Older pupils still wanted a shirt and blazer to differentiate them from young pupils but all the items are available through the school to cut the cost.

From BBC

"In the post-mortem," she argued, her voice trembling but composed, "it is not possible to differentiate between a thermal burn and an electric burn mark without proper chemical analysis."

From BBC

Decker differentiates Killer Fitness from chain gyms, which she calls bright and annoying.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's hard to differentiate it. Ultimately, it's going to be the people but the rugby makes it sweeter," says Itoje.

From BBC

Related Words

• adapt 
• alter 
• diversify 
• modify 
• transform 
• vary