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differentiate
Differentiate (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:

What does differentiate mean?
Distinguishing or recognizing the differences between two or more things, concepts, or ideas.
"The scientist was able to differentiate between two similar-looking species of insects."
Detailed Meaning of Differentiate
This can involve identifying contrasting features, attributes, or characteristics, and categorizing or classifying them accordingly. In academic or scientific contexts, differentiation often refers to the process of analyzing and comparing data or information in order to draw meaningful conclusions or identify patterns. Differentiation can also refer to the process of personal growth or development, as individuals learn to recognize and distinguish their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Overall, the verb "differentiate" suggests a process of comparison and analysis that allows for greater understanding and discernment.
Example Sentences for Differentiate
1. It's crucial to differentiate between fact and opinion.
2. Can you differentiate these two shades of blue?
3. He struggled to differentiate between the twins.
4. Her keen eye can differentiate authentic from fake art.
5. Let's differentiate the important tasks from the trivial ones.
6. The ability to differentiate is a valuable skill.
Origin and Etymology of Differentiate
The verb 'differentiate' has its origins in Latin and Middle English. It comes from the Latin word 'differentiare,' which means 'to make different' or 'to distinguish.' This Latin term is formed from 'differentia,' meaning 'difference' or 'distinction,' and the suffix '-are,' indicating an action. Over time, 'differentiate' was adapted into Middle English from Old French, carrying forward its Latin sense of distinguishing or recognizing the differences between two or more things, concepts, or ideas. The etymology of 'differentiate' underscores its historical association with the act of making distinctions and highlighting variations, emphasizing its pivotal role in the human capacity to discern and categorize the diverse elements of the world.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the verb differentiate:
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More Usage Examples of Differentiate
1. The teacher helps students differentiate homophones.
2. Scientists use DNA to differentiate between species.
3. She can easily differentiate regional accents.
4. Differentiate the main plot from the subplots.
5. The software helps differentiate spam emails.
6. They must differentiate their brand from competitors.
7. Can you differentiate right from wrong in this situation?
8. Differentiate the primary sources from secondary ones.
9. His creativity helps him differentiate in the market.
10. The chef can differentiate various spices by taste.
11. To succeed, businesses must differentiate themselves.
12. She struggled to differentiate reality from dreams.
13. The microscope helps scientists differentiate cells.
14. Can you differentiate between genuine and imitation?
15. Can you differentiate between the two types of apples?
16. The teacher asked the students to differentiate between the two species of birds.
17. It's important to differentiate between right and wrong.
18. The doctor needed to differentiate between two similar medical conditions.
19. The software program was designed to differentiate between spam and legitimate emails.
20. Can you differentiate the taste of the two types of coffee?
21. The therapist helped the patient to differentiate between their emotions and thoughts.
22. The artist's work was unique, making it easy to differentiate from other styles.
23. The accountant was able to differentiate between the two financial reports.
24. The detective was able to differentiate between the two fingerprints found at the scene of the crime.
25. The athlete needed to differentiate between their training and competition routines.
Synonyms and Related Words for Differentiate
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of differentiate in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
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Opposites and Differences

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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
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✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT



