differentiates

Verb

differentiate (third-person singular simple present differentiates, present participle differentiating, simple past and past participle differentiated)

1. (transitive) To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.
   • 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.1873, John Earle, The Philology of the English Tongue, second edition, page 128

   Synonyms:

   change

2. (transitive) To show or be the difference or distinction between things.
   • What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

   Synonyms:

   differentialize

3. (transitive) To recognize as different or distinct.
   • How do you differentiate a fake smile from a genuine one?

   Antonyms:

   conflate

4. (transitive) To calculate the derivative of a function.
5. (transitive) To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
6. (intransitive) To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.
   • he refused to instruct that actual intent to harm or recklessness had to be found before punitive damages could be awarded, or that a verdict for respondent should differentiate between compensatory and punitive damages.1964, New York Times v. Sullivan

   Synonyms:

   differentialize

See all 9 meanings of differentiate