Dictionary
differentiate
verb dif·fer·en·ti·ate \ˌdif-ə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt\
: to make (someone or something) different in some way
: to see or state the difference or differences between two or more things
dif·fer·en·ti·at·eddif·fer·en·ti·at·ing
Full Definition of DIFFERENTIATE
transitive verb
1
: to obtain the mathematical derivative of
2
: to mark or show a difference in : constitute a difference that distinguishes
3
: to develop differential characteristics in
4
: to cause differentiation of in the course of development
5
: to express the specific distinguishing quality of : discriminate
intransitive verb
1
: to recognize or give expression to a difference
2
: to become distinct or different in character
3
: to undergo differentiation
— dif·fer·en·tia·bil·i·ty \-ˌren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— dif·fer·en·tia·ble \-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə-bəl\ adjective
See differentiate defined for English-language learners
See differentiate defined for kids
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First Known Use of DIFFERENTIATE
1816
Related to DIFFERENTIATE
- Synonyms
- difference, distinguish, discern, discriminate, secern, separate
Rhymes with DIFFERENTIATE
circumambulate, circumnavigate, contraindicate, decontaminate, deteriorate, disambiguate, disassociate, discombobulate, disorientate, disproportionate, excommunicate, expiration date, free-associate, hyperventilate, incapacitate, intermediate, interpenetrate, misappropriate, multivariate, overcompensate, overpopulate, ratiocinate, recapitulate, rehabilitate, renegotiate, superannuate, supersaturate, transubstantiate, underestimate
DIFFERENTIABILITY Defined for Kids
differentiate
verb dif·fer·en·ti·ate \ˌdi-fə-ˈren-shē-ˌāt\
dif·fer·en·ti·at·eddif·fer·en·ti·at·ing
Definition of DIFFERENTIATE for Kids
1
: to make or become different <What differentiates the cars?>
2
: to recognize or state the difference between <I can't differentiate the two colors.>
Medical Dictionary
differentiate
verb dif·fer·en·ti·ate \ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt\
dif·fer·en·ti·at·eddif·fer·en·ti·at·ing
Medical Definition of DIFFERENTIATE
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>
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