Definition of differentiate

• v. t. - To distinguish or mark by a specific difference; to effect a difference in, as regards classification; to develop differential characteristics in; to specialize; to desynonymize.
• v. t. - To express the specific difference of; to describe the properties of (a thing) whereby it is differenced from another of the same class; to discriminate.
• v. t. - To obtain the differential, or differential coefficient, of; as, to differentiate an algebraic expression, or an equation.
• v. i. - To acquire a distinct and separate character.