differentiate

Plural: differentiates

Verb

• mark as different
• be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
• calculate a derivative; take the derivative
• become different during development
  • "cells differentiate"
• evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
• become distinct and acquire a different character
• 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.

Examples

• How do you differentiate a fake smile from a genuine one?
• What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

Synonyms

distinguish, mark, secern, secernate, separate, severalise, severalize, specialise, specialize, speciate, tell, tell apart, alter, change, differentialize, differentialize (rare) ?, differentiate, individualize, particularize, transform

Antonyms

dedifferentiate, integrate, conflate, equate, leave alone, mix up, muddle up, preserve

Related Words

differ, difference, different, differential, tell apart