differentiate

Academic Word List, sublist 7.

About 5.99 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To modify so as to create a difference or distinction. To show or be the difference or distinction between things.

   What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

2. verb To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.
3. verb To show or be the difference or distinction between things.

   What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

4. verb To recognize as different or distinct.

   How do you differentiate a fake smile from a genuine one?

5. verb To calculate the derivative of a function.
6. verb To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
7. verb 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.
8. verb To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.

Similar words

tell apart distinguish secern secernate severalize tell separate mark distinction distinguishing

Often followed by

between the into it them from among themselves in and

Word family

differentiabilities differentiability differentiable differentiated differentiates differentiating differentiation