differentiate
[ dif-uh-ren-shee-eyt ]
/ ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃiˌeɪt /
verb (used with object), dif·fer·en·ti·at·ed, dif·fer·en·ti·at·ing.
verb (used without object), dif·fer·en·ti·at·ed, dif·fer·en·ti·at·ing.
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RELATED WORDS
discriminate, separate, extricate, comprehend, understand, discern, vary, modify, transform, adapt, diversify, alter, mark, characterize, know, sever, individualize, contrast, demarcate, individuate
Nearby words
- differential topology,
- differential ureteralcatheterization test,
- differential weathering,
- differential windlass,
- differentially,
- differentiation,
- differentiator,
- differently,
- difficile,
- difficult
Origin of differentiate
1810–20; < Medieval Latin differentiātus distinguished (past participle of differentiāre), equivalent to Latin different(ia) difference + -ātus -ate1
SYNONYMS FOR differentiate
Synonym study
1. See distinguish.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for differentiating
differentiate
/ (ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪˌeɪt) /
verb
(tr) to serve to distinguish between
(when intr, often foll by between) to perceive, show, or make a difference (in or between); discriminate
(intr) to become dissimilar or distinct
maths to perform a differentiation on (a quantity, expression, etc)
(intr) (of unspecialized cells, etc) to change during development to more specialized forms
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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differentiate
1816, from Medieval Latin differentiatus, past participle of differentiare, from Latin differentia (see difference).
Originally a mathematical term; transitive and non-technical sense of "discriminate between" is from 1876. Earlier, difference had been used as a verb in this sense. Related: Differentiated; differentiating; differentiation.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper