verb

differentiate

dihf-uh-REHN-shee-ayt

verb

To recognize, show, or create a difference between things.

"It can be hard to differentiate between the twins."

"The company differentiated its product with a bold new design."

(mathematics) To calculate the derivative of a function.

"Students learn how to differentiate polynomial functions in calculus class."

(education) To adapt teaching to suit students of different abilities.

"The teacher differentiated the lesson so both advanced and struggling students stayed engaged."

How to Use Differentiate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo tell things apart, or to make something stand out as different from the rest.

Common pairings

differentiate between differentiate from differentiate a product

differentiated past tense, differentiates plural, differentiates singular

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Can you complete this real example?

It can be hard to _____ between the twins.

From New Latin differentiatus, based on Latin differentia, "difference."

transform differentialize (rare) ? distinguish individualize particularize severalize

equate mix up muddle up leave alone preserve

alter confuse pester transform mix defend convert compensate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

transform differentialize (rare) ? distinguish individualize particularize severalize equate mix up muddle up leave alone preserve alter