The difference between Differentiate and Distinguish

When used as verbs, differentiate means to show, or be the distinction between two things, whereas distinguish means to recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.

Differentiate is also noun with the meaning: something that has been differentiated or stratified.

check bellow for the other definitions of Differentiate and Distinguish

  1. Differentiate as a verb (transitive):

    To show, or be the distinction between two things.

  2. Differentiate as a verb (intransitive):

    To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.

  3. Differentiate as a verb (transitive, intransitive):

    To modify, or be modified.

  4. Differentiate as a verb (transitive, mathematics):

    To calculate the derivative of a function.

  5. Differentiate as a verb (transitive, mathematics):

    To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.

  6. Differentiate as a verb (intransitive, biology):

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

  1. Differentiate as a noun (geology):

    Something that has been differentiated or stratified.

  1. Distinguish as a verb:

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

  2. Distinguish as a verb:

    To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.

  3. Distinguish as a verb:

    To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.

    Examples:

    "The soldier distinguished himself in combat and received a medal."

  4. Distinguish as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

    To make to differ.

Compare words:

Compare with synonyms and related words: