# differentiate

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ · frequency rank #12,577

## Definitions
1. To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.
2. To show or be the difference or distinction between things.
3. To recognize as different or distinct.
4. To calculate the derivative of a function.
5. To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
6. To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.
7. To teach a lesson in multiple different ways in order to meet the needs of more or less advanced students.
8. To (cause to) go through a process of development called differentiation; to make or become different in form or function.

## Etymology
From New Latin differentiātus, perfect passive participle of differentiō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix)), from Latin differentia (“difference”); see difference.

## Easily confused with
- **differentiated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/differentiate-vs-differentiated)
- **differential** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/differential-vs-differentiate)

## Common misspellings (17)
`ddifferentiate`, `dfiferentiate`, `difefrentiate`, `diferentiate`, `diffeerntiate`, `differenitate`, `differenntiate`, `differentaite`, `differentiaet`, `differentiatte`, `differentitae`, `differenttiate`, `differetniate`, `differnetiate`, `differrentiate`, `diffreentiate`, `idfferentiate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/differentiate