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Differentially: meaning, definitions and examples

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differentially

 

[ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a differing or varying manner

In a way that varies or differs from one situation, time, or individual to another. It can also refer to acting in a way that is distinct or dissimilar.

Synonyms

dissimilarly, distinctly, variously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
differentially

Used mostly in scientific or technical contexts to highlight differing factors or treatments.

  • The drug affected the two cell types differentially.
  • Genes are expressed differentially in various tissues.
variously

Indicates that something has multiple forms, aspects, or instances.

  • The project has been variously described as ambitious and unrealistic.
  • The term can be interpreted variously based on the context.
distinctly

Emphasizes clear and noticeable differences; also used to mean 'clearly' or 'unmistakably'.

  • Her voice is distinctly recognizable.
  • The two proposals are distinctly different.
dissimilarly

Used to highlight contrast between two or more subjects that are not alike.

  • Two siblings can behave quite dissimilarly despite growing up in the same environment.
  • The paintings in the gallery were dissimilarly themed.

Examples of usage

  • He treated each student differentially based on their performance.
  • The medication may affect differentially based on individual factors.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that shows a difference or variation

In a manner that displays discrepancy or distinctiveness. It can also indicate a varying degree or extent of something.

Synonyms

discrepantly, distinctively, variedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
differentially

Used mainly in scientific or technical contexts to describe differences or variations between elements or conditions.

  • The cells responded differentially to the treatment.
  • The software processes data differentially based on the input parameters.
variedly

Used to describe something done in a diverse or assorted manner, indicating variety.

  • The artist works in variedly different styles.
  • The dishes are prepared variedly to cater to different tastes.
distinctively

Used to describe something that has a unique or special characteristic that makes it stand out.

  • He writes in a distinctively poetic style.
  • The building is distinctively designed with Gothic elements.
discrepantly

Used to describe things that do not match or agree, often in a negative or problematic way.

  • The accounts in the report were discrepantly recorded.
  • The witness statements were discrepantly detailed.

Examples of usage

  • The data points are plotted differentially to highlight the trends.
  • The plants grew differentially depending on the amount of sunlight received.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'differentialis', relating to the verb 'differre' meaning ‘to differ’ or ‘to carry apart’.
  • It began its usage in English in the early 17th century, often in mathematics and sciences.
  • The suffix '-ally' adds a sense of manner or way, making it about how differences occur.

Mathematics

  • In calculus, 'differentially' describes how one quantity changes in relation to another.
  • Differential equations are mathematical equations that relate a function with its derivatives, often used in physics and engineering.
  • The concept plays a critical role in understanding motion, rates of change, and predicting behaviors in various fields.

Psychology

  • Humans often perceive things differentially based on contrast, influencing our decisions, judgements, and experiences.
  • Differential reinforcement is a behavioral strategy that highlights encouraging specific behaviors by providing rewards.
  • This concept helps in understanding how different stimuli can evoke varying emotional responses.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural studies often analyze phenomena differentially, examining how cultural backgrounds affect perceptions and behaviors.
  • In society, social classes can be explored differentially, leading to discussions about equality, privilege, and opportunity.
  • Differential treatment based on race, gender, or ethnicity has significant implications in social justice movements.

Physics

  • The term is used in physics to describe how different forces, like gravity or friction, affect the motion of objects differently.
  • Differential thermal analysis measures how materials respond to heat differently, crucial in chemistry and materials science.
  • In fluid dynamics, differentially analyzing the flow of liquids can help predict behaviors in natural and industrial systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "differentially" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diferencialmente

🇮🇳 अंतर से

🇩🇪 differenziell

🇮🇩 secara diferensial

🇺🇦 диференційно

🇵🇱 różniczkowo

🇯🇵 微分的に

🇫🇷 différentiellement

🇪🇸 diferencialmente

🇹🇷 diferansiyel olarak

🇰🇷 미분적으로

🇸🇦 تفاضليًا

🇨🇿 diferenciálně

🇸🇰 diferenciálne

🇨🇳 微分地

🇸🇮 diferencialno

🇮🇸 diffra

🇰🇿 дифференциалды

🇬🇪 დიფერენციალურად

🇦🇿 diferensial olaraq

🇲🇽 diferencialmente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,188, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.