differentiate

verb

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

differentiated; differentiating

Definition of differentiate

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

Other Words from differentiate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About differentiate

Other Words from differentiate

differentiability \ ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

differentiable \ ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-bəl

\ adjective

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 Practices were held in the gymnasium at Waltham High, where players struggled to differentiate the baseball lines from the basketball and volleyball markings. — Brendan Kurie, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2022 This update is yet another way for Microsoft to help differentiate Windows 11 from Windows 10. — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 8 May 2022 But to keep things interesting, opt for unique necklines, shoulder silhouettes, and design details like cutouts and scalloped edges to differentiate the look. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 May 2022 There are signs that collectors may also differentiate between NFTs that catalog a vast set of cartoonlike characters—like the CryptoPunks—and tailored, NFT art projects spurred by major artists who already enjoy museum followings. — Paul Vigna, WSJ, 3 May 2022 More seats and more ways to differentiate value makes for a broad variety of price points. — Eric Fuller, Forbes, 1 May 2022 Noticing the little nuances that Benedict would come up with to differentiate his alter-self. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2022 Even more than unfettered competition, the biggest problem for store owners is an inability to differentiate their product, said Ms. Fukur. — New York Times, 18 Apr. 2022 To confirm the size, researchers had to differentiate the comet's solid body, or nucleus, from its coma, the dusty cloud surrounding the object and long tail of debris trailing off of it. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2022 See More

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