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Differentiate vs. Distinguish: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
"Differentiate" implies recognizing or expressing differences between items, while "Distinguish" means to recognize or treat as separate or distinct.

Key Differences

"Differentiate" and "Distinguish" both address the idea of identifying and recognizing differences. Yet, they're used in varied contexts and possess nuanced meanings.
"Differentiate" often speaks to the process of distinguishing or expressing the differences between two or more things. For instance, one might differentiate between types of plants based on their leaves. On the other hand, "Distinguish" leans more towards perceiving, noting, or treating something as unique or distinct from others.
Consider the use of "Differentiate" in education. Teachers strive to differentiate instruction, tailoring it to meet individual students' needs. Contrastingly, "Distinguish" might be used to single out a particular student's unique talent or achievement.
In more technical domains, "Differentiate" can denote the mathematical process of differentiation. "Distinguish", in such contexts, would still adhere to its primary sense of setting apart or recognizing distinct features.
Summarizing, while both words revolve around the concept of differentiation, "Differentiate" is more about expressing differences or categories, whereas "Distinguish" is about recognition and perceiving uniqueness.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Recognize or express differences
Recognize or treat as separate or distinct

Contextual Usage

Expressing differences or categories
Noting or perceiving uniqueness

Scope

May imply categories or types
Often about singular uniqueness

Commonality in Usage

Common in educational or taxonomical contexts
Widely used in multiple contexts

Grammatical Form

Often used with "between"
Can be used with "from" or "by"
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Differentiate and Distinguish Definitions

Differentiate

Be a distinctive feature of.
The services offered differentiate our brand.

Distinguish

Recognize as distinct or different.
He could easily distinguish the calls of various birds.

Differentiate

Evolve differently or cause to evolve differently.
The species began to differentiate millions of years ago.

Distinguish

Perceive or point out a difference.
It's important to distinguish facts from opinions.

Differentiate

Recognize what makes something different.
She can differentiate between various types of wine.

Distinguish

Mark as having a special quality or excellence.
She distinguished herself in the field of science.

Differentiate

Make or become different in the process of growth.
Cells begin to differentiate into various types.

Distinguish

Mark as separate or different.
These factors distinguish the company from its competitors.

Differentiate

To constitute the distinction between
Subspecies that are differentiated by the markings on their wings.

Distinguish

Stand out or excel.
The film was distinguished by its excellent direction.

Differentiate

To perceive or show the difference in or between; discriminate.

Distinguish

To perceive as being different or distinct
Can you distinguish a pattern in this behavior?.

Differentiate

To make different by alteration or modification.

Distinguish

To perceive distinctly; discern
The lookout distinguished the masts of ships on the horizon.

Differentiate

(Mathematics) To calculate the derivative or differential of (a function).

Distinguish

To demonstrate or describe as being different or distinct
A scientist who distinguished four species of the plant.

Differentiate

To become distinct or specialized; acquire a different character.

Distinguish

To be an identifying characteristic of; make noticeable or different
These spices distinguish this style of Asian cooking.

Differentiate

To make distinctions; discriminate.

Distinguish

To cause (oneself) to be respected or eminent
They have distinguished themselves as dedicated social workers.

Differentiate

(Biology) To undergo differentiation.

Distinguish

To perceive or indicate differences; discriminate
Can the child distinguish between right and wrong?.

Differentiate

(transitive) To show, or be the distinction between two things.

Distinguish

To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

Differentiate

(intransitive) To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.

Distinguish

To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.

Differentiate

To modify, or be modified.

Distinguish

To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal.

Differentiate

To calculate the derivative of a function.

Distinguish

To make to differ.

Differentiate

To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.

Distinguish

Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.
Not more distinguished by her purple vest,Than by the charming features of her face.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the eglantine.

Differentiate

To produce distinct organs or to achieve specific functions by a process of development called differentiation.

Distinguish

To separate by definition of terms or logical division of a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into those that belong to the heavens, and those that belong to the earth.

Differentiate

(geology) Something that has been differentiated or stratified.

Distinguish

To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it might be confounded; as, to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as well as truth from falsehood.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man,Than of his outward show.

Differentiate

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.
The word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than.
Two or more of the forms assumed by the same original word become differentiated in signification.

Distinguish

To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee?

Differentiate

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.

Distinguish

To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; - with by or for.

Differentiate

To obtain the differential, or differential coefficient, of; as, to differentiate an algebraic expression, or an equation.

Distinguish

To make distinctions; to perceive the difference; to exercise discrimination; - with between; as, a judge distinguishes between cases apparently similar, but differing in principle.

Differentiate

To acquire a distinct and separate character.

Distinguish

To become distinguished or distinctive; to make one's self or itself discernible.
The little embryo . . . first distinguishes into a little knot.

Differentiate

Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple

Distinguish

Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple

Differentiate

Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers

Distinguish

Detect with the senses;
The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
I can't make out the faces in this photograph

Differentiate

Calculate a derivative; take the derivative

Distinguish

Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;
His modesty distinguishes him form his peers

Differentiate

Become different during development;
Cells differentiate

Distinguish

Make conspicuous or noteworthy

Differentiate

Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

Distinguish

Identify as in botany or biology, for example

Differentiate

Become distinct and acquire a different character

Differentiate

Obtain the mathematical derivative of.
We can differentiate the function to find its slope.

FAQs

Are "Differentiate" and "Distinguish" synonyms?

They overlap but have nuanced differences in meaning and use.

Is "Distinguish" only about perception?

No, it can also mean to stand out or be notable.

Can "Differentiate" be a mathematical term?

Yes, it can mean obtaining a derivative in calculus.

Can "Distinguish" imply excellence?

Yes, it can mean to stand out due to superior quality.

How are the words used differently in education?

"Differentiate" often refers to tailored instruction, while "Distinguish" might note a student's unique ability.

Can both words be used in formal contexts?

Yes, both are appropriate for formal settings.

Which word often pairs with "between"?

"Differentiate" is commonly used with "between".

Which word is broader in scope?

"Distinguish" has a broader range of meanings, from perception to excellence.

Is "Distinguish" always positive?

No, it's neutral but can have positive connotations based on context.

Can "Differentiate" mean evolution or growth?

Yes, it can refer to processes where things become distinct over time.

Can "Differentiate" imply categorization?

Yes, it can suggest categorizing based on differences.

Can "Differentiate" describe brands or services?

Yes, often to highlight what makes them stand apart.

Which word is more about recognition?

"Distinguish" leans more towards recognition.

Do both words relate to uniqueness?

"Differentiate" is about differences, while "Distinguish" can emphasize uniqueness.

Does "Distinguish" only refer to tangible items?

No, it can be used for abstract concepts like thoughts or feelings.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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