Differentiate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt/ dif·fer·en·ti·ate

Meaning & Definition of Differentiate

Differentiate (verb)

  1. to obtain the mathematical derivative of
  2. to mark or show a difference in, constitute a contrasting element that distinguishes
  3. to develop differential or distinguishing characteristics in

Differentiate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to understand or point out the difference in

    "it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Differentiate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Differentiate:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Differentiate

Words with the opposite meaning of Differentiate:

Near Antonyms of Differentiate

Word Forms of Differentiate

Inflections: differentiated, differentiating

Derived words: differentiability (noun), differentiable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Differentiate

probably borrowed from Medieval Latin differentiātus, past participle of differentiāre "to distinguish" (New Latin in mathematical sense), verbal derivative of Latin differentia difference:1

First known use: 1814t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Differentiate

Frequently Asked Questions about Differentiate

What does "Differentiate" mean?

"Differentiate" means to obtain the mathematical derivative of. As a verb, it is defined as: to obtain the mathematical derivative of.

What is another word for "Differentiate"?

Other words for "Differentiate" include difference, discern, discriminate, distinguish, secern and separate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Differentiate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Differentiate"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Differentiate". Common alternatives include difference, discern, discriminate, distinguish, secern and separate.

What is the opposite of "Differentiate"?

Antonyms of "Differentiate" include confuse, mistake and mix (up). Near antonyms include confound, lump (together) and mingle.

How do you use "Differentiate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Differentiate" in a sentence: "it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music".

Is "Differentiate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Differentiate" is a verb.

Is "Differentiate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Differentiate" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Differentiate"?

"Differentiate" is pronounced /ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as dif·fer·en·ti·ate.