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Differentiation: meaning, definitions and examples

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differentiation

 

[ ˌdɪfəˌrɛnʃɪˈeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The process of finding a derivative. It is used to calculate the rate at which one quantity is changing with respect to another. Differentiation is a fundamental concept in calculus.

Synonyms

calculation, derivative, discrimination

Examples of usage

  • His understanding of differentiation helped him solve the complex mathematical problem.
  • She explained the concept of differentiation using real-life examples.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions. Differentiation plays a crucial role in the development and growth of organisms.

Synonyms

development, maturation, specialization

Examples of usage

  • Embryonic stem cells have the ability to undergo differentiation into various cell types.
  • The differentiation of cells in the human body is a highly regulated process.
Context #3 | Noun

education

The modification of teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of students. Differentiation aims to provide individualized instruction and support.

Synonyms

adaptation, customization, individualization

Examples of usage

  • Teachers use differentiation to accommodate students with different learning styles.
  • The school implemented a policy of differentiation to ensure all students receive the necessary support.

Translations

Translations of the word "differentiation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diferenciação

🇮🇳 अंतर

🇩🇪 Differenzierung

🇮🇩 diferensiasi

🇺🇦 диференціація

🇵🇱 różnicowanie

🇯🇵 差別化 (さべつか)

🇫🇷 différenciation

🇪🇸 diferenciación

🇹🇷 farklılaştırma

🇰🇷 차별화 (차별화)

🇸🇦 تمييز

🇨🇿 diferenciace

🇸🇰 diferenciácia

🇨🇳 差异化 (chāyì huà)

🇸🇮 diferenciacija

🇮🇸 aðgreining

🇰🇿 дифференциация

🇬🇪 განსხვავება

🇦🇿 diferensiallaşma

🇲🇽 diferenciación

Etymology

The term 'differentiation' originated from the Latin word 'differentiatus,' which means 'to distinguish.' In mathematics, the concept of differentiation was developed by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the late 17th century as a method for calculating rates of change. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields, including biology and education, to describe processes of specialization and adaptation.

See also: differ, difference, differences, different, differential, differently, differing, indifference, indifferent, indifferentiable.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,134 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.