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 of differentiate

• distinguish
• discriminate

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

So mathematicians try to come up with foolproof methods for differentiating them. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 23 July 2026

Provide risk scoring to differentiate urgent from low sensitivity exposures. — Saurabh Gupta, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

This allows controllers to differentiate and prioritize planes in distress on radar screens. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Even with that favorable outlook, a recent Jefferies report found that many premium denim brands still struggle to differentiate themselves enough to encourage consumers to spend more. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

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

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

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