differentiate

dif·fer·en·ti·ate

verb \ˌdif-ə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt\

dif·fer·en·ti·at·eddif·fer·en·ti·at·ing

Definition of DIFFERENTIATE

transitive verb

1

: to obtain the mathematical derivative of

2

: to mark or show a difference in : constitute a difference that distinguishes

3

: to develop differential characteristics in

4

: to cause differentiation of in the course of development

5

: to express the specific distinguishing quality of : discriminate

intransitive verb

1

: to recognize or give expression to a difference

2

: to become distinct or different in character

3

: to undergo differentiation

— dif·fer·en·tia·bil·i·ty \-ˌren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— dif·fer·en·tia·ble \-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of DIFFERENTIATE

1. The only thing that differentiates the twins is the color of their eyes.
2. <it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music>

First Known Use of DIFFERENTIATE

1816

Related to DIFFERENTIATE

Synonyms

difference, distinguish, discern, discriminate, secern, separate

Antonyms

confuse, mistake, mix (up)

Related Words

contradistinguish; comprehend, grasp, know, understand; divide, part, sever; demarcate, mark (off), set off

Near Antonyms

confound, lump (together), mingle

Rhymes with DIFFERENTIATE

circumambulate, circumnavigate, contraindicate, decontaminate, deteriorate, disambiguate, disassociate, discombobulate, disorientate, disproportionate, excommunicate, expiration date, free-associate, hyperventilate, incapacitate, intermediate, interpenetrate, misappropriate, multivariate, overcompensate, overpopulate, ratiocinate, recapitulate, rehabilitate, renegotiate, superannuate, supersaturate, transubstantiate, underestimate

dif·fer·en·ti·ate

verb \ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt\   (Medical Dictionary)

dif·fer·en·ti·at·ed; dif·fer·en·ti·at·ing

Medical Definition of DIFFERENTIATE

transitive verb

1

: to constitute a difference that distinguishes <the history of the injury also differentiates these two fractures—J. S. Keene et al>

2

: to cause differentiation of in the course of development

3

: to discriminate or give expression to a specific difference that distinguishes <quickly learned to differentiate sharp pain from dull pain>

4

: to cause differentiation in (a specimen for microscopic examination) by staining

intransitive verb

1

: to recognize or express a difference <differentiate between humans and the rest of the primates>

2

: to undergo differentiation <when a B cell matures, it differentiates into a plasma cell that secretes antibodies—R. C. Gallo>