English · Word Candidate

differentiate

/dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: differentiates · differentiating · differentiated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.

Verb

Examples

A humble instance of Ablaut may be quoted which took place in the seventeenth century, when the word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To show or be the difference or distinction between things.

Verb

Examples

What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Something that has been differentiated or stratified.

Noun

Examples

There is no discernable tendency, however, for the differentiates to fall into two extremities, as would be expected if they were trending toward distinct eutectics in a residua system.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “differentiate” mean?

To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.

Is “differentiate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.