differential

1 of 2

adjective

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

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 differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation

3

physics

a

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

b

: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences

differentially

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shə-lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2

noun

1

mathematics

a

: the product (see product sense 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• discriminating
• discriminational
• discriminative
• discriminatory

Examples of differential in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Fulham has 48 points, which means a win by Bournemouth would even the team in points and put Bournemouth in front due to the place differential. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Their point differential swings by over 11 points per game, a gap that is both substantial and statistically significant. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Noun

Newcastle has a +13 goal differential and a 16-5-9 record. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

And while the first-place Rangers have a run differential of -8, the Angels are at +9. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin differentiālis, from Latin differentia difference entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

noun derivative of differential entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing differential

• differential calculus
• differential diagnosis
• differential equation
• differential gear
• differential geometry
• exact differential
• partial differential equation

Rhymes for differential

• confidential
• inessential
• inferential
• pestilential
• quintessential
• unessential
• equipotential
• experiential
• geopotential
• jurisprudential
• nonresidential
• overpotential

Kids Definition

differential

1 of 2 adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a difference

b

: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory

2

: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2 noun

1

: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things

the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn

2

: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)

Medical Definition

differential

adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a difference

differential birth rates in different economic levels

2

: making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential cell counts

differential staining

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb