differentiate
verb
dif·fer·en·ti·ate
ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt 
differentiated; differentiating
1
mathematics
: to obtain the mathematical derivative (see derivative entry 1 sense 3) of
2
: to mark or show a difference in : constitute a contrasting element that distinguishes
features that differentiate the twins
how we differentiate ourselves from our competitors
3
: to develop differential or distinguishing characteristics in
What differentiated a laborer from another man …—
Sherwood Anderson
Sherwood Anderson4
biology
: to cause differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b) of in the course of development
cells that are differentiated from stem cells
5
: to express the specific distinguishing quality of : discriminate
differentiate poetry and prose
1
: to recognize or give expression to a difference
difficult to differentiate between the two
2
: to become distinct or different in character
3
biology
: to undergo differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b)
when the cells begin to differentiate
Synonyms
Examples of differentiate in a Sentence
The only thing that differentiates the twins is the color of their eyes.
it was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music
Recent Examples on the Web
However, this didn't fully solve the problem, as Siri still struggled to differentiate between similar-sounding names across devices.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 11 Nov. 2024
To drive customer loyalty and growth, midsize companies must find ways to differentiate themselves.
—Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Local health officials don't differentiate between civilians and fighters.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Ukraine, the United States, NATO, and open-source satellites may not be able to differentiate whether Russia is transporting warheads for maintenance or security—or to a military base from which they might be launched.
—William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for differentiate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 11 Nov. 2024
To drive customer loyalty and growth, midsize companies must find ways to differentiate themselves.
—Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Local health officials don't differentiate between civilians and fighters.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Ukraine, the United States, NATO, and open-source satellites may not be able to differentiate whether Russia is transporting warheads for maintenance or security—or to a military base from which they might be launched.
—William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for differentiate
Articles Related to differentiate
Dictionary Entries Near differentiate
Cite this Entry
“Differentiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differentiate
verb
dif·fer·en·ti·ate
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt
differentiated; differentiating
1
: to make or become different in some way
the color of their eyes differentiates the twins
2
: to undergo or cause to undergo differentiation in the course of development
3
: to see or state the difference or differences
differentiate between two plants
Medical Definition
differentiate
verb
dif·fer·en·ti·ate
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chē-ˌāt
differentiated; differentiating
1
: to constitute a difference that distinguishes
the history of the injury also differentiates these two fractures—J. S. Keene et al.
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
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
R. C. GalloLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share