differentiate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/
KK: /ˌdɪf.əˈrɛn.ʃi.eɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become different or to show differences between things.
Example
In biology, cells can differentiate into various types to perform specific functions.
Tense Forms
Past: differentiated
Past Participle: differentiated
Conversation
I learned that plants can differentiate into various types over time.
That's interesting! I didn't know they could change like that.
Yeah, it's amazing how they differentiate based on their environment.
Nature is really clever, isn't it?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
distinguish
separate
diverge
Antonyms
converge
merge
unify
transitive verb
Definition
To recognize or show the differences between two or more things.
Example
It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion when reading news articles.
Tense Forms
Past: differentiated
Past Participle: differentiated
Conversation
How can we differentiate between these two species of birds?
Good question! I think their colors and sounds are pretty distinct.
Yeah, I noticed that too. It really helps to differentiate them.
Root Explanation
Differentiate → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "ferre" (meaning to carry or bear) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a verb). The word means to carry apart or to distinguish between different things.
Memory Tip
Think of 'carrying apart' ('dis-') to understand how to 'distinguish' or 'differentiate' between things.
Visually Confused Words
redifferentiate
dedifferentiate
undifferentiated
undifferential
indifferentist
indifferential
redifferentiation
nondifferentiable