differentiate

verb

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​ate ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt 

differentiated; differentiating

transitive verb

1

mathematics : to obtain the mathematical derivative (see derivative entry 1 sense 3) of

2

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

features that differentiate the twins

how we differentiate ourselves from our competitors

3

: to develop differential or distinguishing characteristics in

What differentiated a laborer from another man …

—Sherwood Anderson

4

biology : to cause differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b) of in the course of development

cells that are differentiated from stem cells

5

: to express the specific distinguishing quality of : discriminate

differentiate poetry and prose

intransitive verb

1

: to recognize or give expression to a difference

difficult to differentiate between the two

2

: to become distinct or different in character

3

biology : to undergo differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b)

when the cells begin to differentiate

differentiability

ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

differentiable

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• difference
• discern
• discriminate
• distinguish
• secern
• separate

Examples of differentiate in a Sentence

The only thing that differentiates the twins is the color of their eyes.

it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music

Recent Examples on the Web

Analyze successful client relationships, uncover magnetic elements often overlooked by business owners, refine communication styles, and highlight differentiating factors from competitors. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The company doesn’t differentiate between its own shopping service and those of rivals, a spokesperson added, noting that more than 1,550 comparison shopping sites in Europe currently use its display — up from just seven in 2017. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

For those with severe tinnitus, their involuntary facial twitches and pupil dilation occurred in response to pleasant and unpleasant sounds, as their nervous system was unable to differentiate good from bad. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025

Scientists are also trying to learn how to differentiate CTE from similar diseases like Alzheimer’s. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Medieval Latin differentiātus, past participle of differentiāre "to distinguish" (New Latin in mathematical sense), verbal derivative of Latin differentia difference entry 1

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for differentiate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate
• isocyanate

Kids Definition

differentiate

verb

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​ate ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt 

differentiated; differentiating

1

: to make or become different in some way

the color of their eyes differentiates the twins

2

: to undergo or cause to undergo differentiation in the course of development

3

: to see or state the difference or differences

differentiate between two plants

Medical Definition

differentiate

verb

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​ate ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt 

differentiated; differentiating

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