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
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
There, Burns expertly broke down the physical and personality characteristics that differentiate the four animals.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
That’s what differentiates Tesla from other carmakers: its fans are well known for volunteering their own time, famously helping in earlier years with the end-of-quarter push to deliver cars to new owners.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Even if the focus is on the dollar rather than social responsibility, organizations can differentiate themselves and attract talent by offering a culture that genuinely supports employees with diverse family lives.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
The Forester’s styling hews close to the upright, conservative look that has made the SUV popular for years and helps differentiate it from Subaru’s larger Outback.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for differentiate
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Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
That’s what differentiates Tesla from other carmakers: its fans are well known for volunteering their own time, famously helping in earlier years with the end-of-quarter push to deliver cars to new owners.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Even if the focus is on the dollar rather than social responsibility, organizations can differentiate themselves and attract talent by offering a culture that genuinely supports employees with diverse family lives.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
The Forester’s styling hews close to the upright, conservative look that has made the SUV popular for years and helps differentiate it from Subaru’s larger Outback.
—Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for differentiate
Cite this Entry
“Differentiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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
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