differentiate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.
To show or be the difference or distinction between things.
To recognize as different or distinct.
To calculate the derivative of a function.
To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.
To teach a lesson in multiple different ways in order to meet the needs of more or less advanced students.
To (cause to) go through a process of development called differentiation; to make or become different in form or function.

noun

Something that has been differentiated or stratified.

Pronunciation

/dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ en-us-differentiate.ogg /dɪf.əˈɹen.ʃi.æɪt/ en-au-differentiate.ogg /dəf.əˈɹen.ʃi.æɪt/ /ɖɪf(ə)ˌrɛnʃ(ɪ)ˌjeʈ/

Word forms

differentiate differentiates differentiating differentiated

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *d(w)is- Proto-Italic *dis- Latin dis- Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti Proto-Italic *ferō Latin ferō Latin differō Latin differēns Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius Latin -ia Latin differentia New Latin differentiō New Latin differentiātusbor. English differentiate From New Latin differentiātus, perfect passive participle of differentiō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix)), from Latin differentia (“difference”); see difference.

Synonyms

transform differentiate differentialize (rare) ? distinguish individualize particularize severalize change differentialize specialize

Antonyms

equate mix up muddle up leave alone preserve conflate

Related words

differ difference different differential tell apart

Derived words

codifferentiate cytodifferentiate dedifferentiate differentiable differentiation differentiator differentiatory indifferentiate misdifferentiate neurodifferentiate nondifferentiating redifferentiate retrodifferentiate subdifferentiating transdifferentiate undifferentiating

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