differential

adjective dif·fer·en·tial \ ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl \

Definition of differential

1 a :of, relating to, or constituting a difference :distinguishing

differential characteristics

b :making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential tax rates

c :based on or resulting from a differential

d :functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential melting

2 mathematics :being, relating to, or involving a differential (see ²differential 1) or differentiation

3 physics

a :relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)

b :producing effects by reason of quantitative differences

—

differentially

play \-ˈren(t)-shə-lē\ adverb

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Examples of differential in a Sentence

did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

Recent Examples of differential from the Web

The longer-lasting problem is that the nation is wrestling once again with its founding injustice: the unequal application of of state power, on differential racial grounds.

— james fallows, The Atlantic, "Why the Arpaio Pardon Matters," 27 Aug. 2017
The starting pitching’s struggles have led to many lopsided losses and a minus-78 run differential unbecoming of a legitimate contender.

— eduardo a. encina, baltimoresun.com, "Two straight road wins entering All-Star break lift Orioles out of cellar, provide reason for hope," 9 July 2017
The Indians' +59 run differential ranks fourth in the AL and seventh overall.

— cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians' five All-Stars represents an organizational success story," 4 July 2017
The Blugold Commitment Fund, which is supported through differential tuition dollars, also contributed approximately $1 million to faculty-student research during the 2015-2016 academic year.

— karen herzog, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "UW-Eau Claire, Mayo Clinic Health System announce agreement to boost research collaboration," 29 June 2017
A comparison of their efforts: Dates Run differential Avg.

— matt calkins, The Seattle Times, "Streaky Mariners go from breakthrough to breakdown, now what?," 28 June 2017
A comparison of their efforts: Dates Run differentialAvg.

— matt calkins, The Seattle Times, "Streaky Mariners go from breakthrough to breakdown, now what?," 28 June 2017
The Indians' +15 run differential ranks fifth in the American League.

— cleveland.com, "Pull-happy Francisco Lindor trying to spread the wealth for Cleveland Indians," 10 June 2017
Differential privacy works by inserting noise — or bad information — into good data in order to confuse outsiders who might try to hone in on an individual's records.

— elizabeth dwoskin, chicagotribune.com, "Why Apple is struggling to become an artificial intelligence powerhouse," 5 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'differential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of differential

see ¹different

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

See Words from the same year

differential Synonyms

Synonyms

discriminatory, discriminating, discriminational, discriminative

Antonyms

nondiscriminatory

Related Words

biased, inequitable, partial, partisan, prejudiced, prejudicial, unequal, unfair, unjust; clubby, elitist, selective; segregative

Near Antonyms

equal, equitable, fair, just; impartial, neutral, objective, unbiased, uncolored, unprejudiced

differential

noun

Definition of differential

1 mathematics

a :the product (see product 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable

b :a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function

2 :a difference between comparable individuals or classes

a price differential

; also :the amount of such a difference

3 a :a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other

a locking rear differential

b :a case covering such an assembly

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Recent Examples of differential from the Web

The talent differential between Nos. 1 and 100 on the ATP level is not as great as some might believe, and weather can be the equalizer on days such as Wednesday.

— tom groeschen, Cincinnati.com, "Federer conqueror Zverev upset at Western & Southern Open," 16 Aug. 2017
This does not mean that sexism isn’t also a big factor in these differentials.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump’s Reckless Nuclear Bluffing," 11 Aug. 2017
There would be customs controls and rules-of-origin checks, many services would not be covered and there would be non-tariff barriers thanks to differential regulation.

— The Economist, "The six flavours of Brexit," 22 July 2017
Nevertheless, the District 10/Broward County champions are headed to the Florida State Tournament just south of Orlando July 21-23 after being awarded the sectional title on a run-differential formula.

— rick menning, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Coconut Creek Little League All-Stars state their case for success with sectional title," 17 July 2017
Costa Rica currently sits in second place in Group A due to goal differential after beating Honduras 1-0 and drawing Canada 1-1.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Costa Rica vs. French Guiana in 2017 Gold Cup: Time, TV channel, how to watch live stream online," 13 July 2017
Its answer is differential privacy, a term virtually unknown outside of academic circles until a year ago.

— Fox News, "Apple expands bet on cutting edge privacy technology," 7 July 2017
Only five other champs in baseball history have seen a dropoff in run differential as dramatic as the 2017 Cubs.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Expect Theo Epstein's actions to belie words in effort to turn season around," 7 July 2017
During Friday's Red Grange Classic 7-on-7 at Wheaton Warrenville South, Mooney's passing sparked Huntley to 5-0 start and to first place in its pool with the best point differential of 32 teams.

— gene chamberlain, Elgin Courier-News, "Eric Mooney's passing nets more scholarship offers and Huntley success," 5 July 2017

Origin and Etymology of differential

see ¹different

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1871

See Words from the same year

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

DIFFERENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

differential

adjective

Definition of differential for English Language Learners

: relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others

differential

noun

Definition of differential for English Language Learners

: a difference between people or things
: a gear or an arrangement of gears in a vehicle that allows one wheel to turn faster than another when the vehicle is going around a curve