differentiate
UK: ˌdɪf.əˈren.ʃi.eɪt | US: ˌdɪf.əˈren.ʃi.eɪt
vt. to recognize or express the difference between things
vt. to make or become different in the process of development
vi. to develop specialized structures or functions (biology)
differentiate = differ<vary> + entiate<verb-forming suffix>
- differ: From Latin differre ("to carry apart, delay, differ"), combining dis- ("apart") + ferre ("to bear, carry").
- entiate: A verb-forming suffix derived from Latin -entia (denoting action or state), later adapted in English to create verbs (e.g., substantiate).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin differre, where dis- ("apart") and ferre ("carry") metaphorically implied "carrying things apart" → "being unlike." Over time, differ evolved in English to mean "to vary," and the suffix -entiate was added to form a verb meaning "to make distinct." The biological sense emerged later, reflecting specialization in development.
The test helps differentiate between viral and bacterial infections.
Cells differentiate into various types during embryonic growth.
His teaching style differentiates him from other professors.
The software can differentiate subtle color shades.
Over time, dialects differentiate into distinct languages.