differentiate

/ˈdɪfəˌrɛntʃiˈeɪt/

/dɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

Other forms: differentiated; differentiating; differentiates

To differentiate is to identify the differences between things, to discriminate among them. For example, if the light is dim at the party, you might find it hard to differentiate between the spicy bean dip and the chocolate sauce.

You can see different in differentiate. This will help you remember that it has to do with finding how things are different, or making them different. For example, identical twins look alike but if you get to know them, personality traits, speech patterns and their likes and dislikes help differentiate one from another. Also, when you wear a team uniform the number on your back helps coaches differentiate between teammates when everyone is playing fast.

Definitions of differentiate

1. verb

   become distinct and acquire a different character
   type of:

   dissimilate

   become dissimilar or less similar
2. verb

   mark as different
   synonyms: distinguish, secern, secernate, separate, severalise, severalize, tell, tell apart

   types:

   know

   be able to distinguish, recognize as being different

   discern, discriminate, know apart

   recognize or perceive the difference

   label

   distinguish (an element or atom) by using a radioactive isotope or an isotope of unusual mass for tracing through chemical reactions

   label

   distinguish (as a compound or molecule) by introducing a labeled atom

   sex

   tell the sex (of young chickens)

   individualise, individualize

   make or mark or treat as individual

   contrast

   put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

   severalise, severalize

   distinguish or separate

   contradistinguish

   distinguish by contrasting qualities

   decouple, dissociate

   regard as unconnected

   demarcate

   separate clearly, as if by boundaries

   discriminate, separate, single out

   treat differently on the basis of sex or race

   stratify

   divide society into social classes or castes

   insulate, isolate

   place or set apart

   subtilize

   mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words

   hive off

   remove from a group and make separate

   segregate

   separate by race or religion; practice a policy of racial segregation

   redline

   discriminate in selling or renting housing in certain areas of a neighborhood

   disadvantage, disfavor, disfavour

   put at a disadvantage; hinder, harm

   type of:

   identify, place

   recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something
3. verb

   be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
   synonyms: distinguish, mark

   mark

   designate as if by a mark

   types:

   characterise, characterize

   be characteristic of

   individuate

   give individual character to

   define

   determine the nature of

   type of:

   characterise, characterize, qualify

   describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of
4. verb

   become different during development
   “cells differentiate”

   antonyms:

   dedifferentiate

   lose specialization in form or function

   type of:

   develop

   grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment
5. verb

   evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
   synonyms: specialise, specialize, speciate

   type of:

   evolve

   undergo development or evolution
6. verb

   calculate a derivative; take the derivative
   antonyms:

   integrate

   calculate the integral of; calculate by integration

   type of:

   calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, figure, reckon, work out

   make a mathematical calculation or computation