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Differentiated: meaning, definitions and examples

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differentiated

 

[ ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

education, business

Differentiated refers to the process of distinguishing or making something different. In education, it typically involves tailoring instruction to meet individual student's needs. In business, it can mean creating unique offerings that set a company apart from its competitors.

Synonyms

differentiating, distinguished, varied

Examples of usage

  • The teacher differentiated her lessons to cater to various learning styles.
  • The marketing team developed a differentiated strategy to attract more customers.
  • In a differentiated classroom, students work at their own pace.

Etymology

The word 'differentiated' comes from the Latin word 'differentiare', meaning 'to set apart' or 'to distinguish'. It combines the prefix 'differ-', which signifies 'difference', with the suffix '-ate', generally used to form verbs that indicate an action or process. The term evolved into its current form in the early 19th century as a way to articulate complex concepts not just in education but also in mathematics and biology, where it refers to the variation and the distinct qualities of different elements or groups. In contemporary usage, particularly within educational theory and practice, differentiation emphasizes the importance of addressing the diverse needs, interests, and learning profiles of students in instructional settings.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,170 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.