verb
differentiate
dif-uh-REN-shee-ayt/ˌdɪfəˈrenʃieɪt/
To establish distinguishing features between things.
The botanist studies leaf edges to differentiate between two similar leaves.
Etymology
The “carry apart” image led to the noun meaning “difference,” from which this verb was formed. To differentiate is to make things distinct or recognize the qualities that distinguish them.
In context
they couldn't differentiate me from the evil I was hunting
More examples
- Their spotted coats differentiate these cats from other breeds.
- Can you differentiate between the two voices?
- As the plant grows, its cells differentiate into specialized tissues.
Forms
differentiate · differentiates · differentiated · differentiating
differentiation noun — The process of distinguishing or becoming specialized.
Similar words
- distinguish
- Often emphasizes recognizing differences rather than creating distinct features.
- discriminate
- Emphasizes detecting subtle differences through careful observation or judgment.
- contrast
- Highlights differences by comparing things side by side.