Word
differentiate
Meanings
to identify or explain the differences between things
to make something distinct or set it apart from others
to adapt methods or materials to meet different needs or levels, especially in teaching
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Definition
To differentiate means to recognize or show how something is different from something else.
To differentiate is to notice, explain, or make clear the differences between two or more things. It can also mean to make one thing distinct from others by highlighting a unique feature. In education or work, it may refer to adjusting an approach to suit different needs or levels.
Examples
- The report differentiates clearly between short-term fluctuations and long-term trends.
- I can differentiate the two versions by the subtle change in the interface layout.
- She differentiates her argument from earlier research by focusing on real-world constraints.
- They differentiate new staff training according to prior experience and responsibilities.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "differentiate" with "difference" and say "differentiate between of" instead of the correct "differentiate between" or "differentiate A from B."
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.