differentiate Definition

differentiate
verb differentiated, differentiating

tr & intr
1. To establish a difference between them; to be able to distinguish one from another.

Thesaurus: distinguish, contrast, discern, discriminate, individualize, demarcate, disambiguate; Antonym: assimilate, associate.
Form: differentiate between things (usually)
Form: differentiate one thing from another
2. To constitute a difference between things, or a difference in (one thing as against another).

Example: The shape of its mouth differentiates a crocodile from an alligator
3. To become different.
4. math.
To use the process of differentiation to calculate the changes in one variable quantity produced by changes in a related variable, ie to find the derivative of a function (noun 4).
5. biol.
Said of an unspecialized cell or tissue: to become increasingly specialized in structure and function, eg during the development of a muscle fibre or a red blood cell.

Etymology: 19c: from Latin differentiare.

Phrasal Verb: differentiate between people

To treat one person, etc differently from another.