differentiate
verb C1
Plain meaning
show or recognise the difference between things
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss show or recognise the difference between things in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe team tried to differentiate between concepts before the deadline.
examThe passage suggests that institutions may need to differentiate between concepts in order to improve long-term outcomes.
Common collocations
differentiate between conceptsdifferentiate productsdifferentiate students
Watch out
Do not pair it with a random object. Learn the full pattern, e.g., “differentiate between concepts”. Also avoid confusing it with “distinguish”.