differential

1 of 2

adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing

differential characteristics

b

: making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential tax rates

c

: based on or resulting from a differential

d

: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential melting

2

mathematics : being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation

3

physics

a

: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)

b

: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences

differentially

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shə-lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2

noun

1

mathematics

a

: the product (see product sense 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable

b

: a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function

2

: a difference between comparable individuals or classes

a price differential

also : the amount of such a difference

3

a

: a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other

a locking rear differential

b

: a case covering such an assembly

Synonyms

Adjective

• discriminating
• discriminational
• discriminative
• discriminatory

Examples of differential in a Sentence

Adjective

did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Running into an on-demand and part-time 4WD transfer case with an automatic limited slip differential, into a multi-link rear suspension system, for incredible on-road and off-road stability, safety and control 24/7. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2025

Since acquiring Butler in a five-team trade that sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and draft compensation out of Golden State, the Warriors have seen a significant improvement in their turnover differential. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025

Noun

Well, coming into Monday, the Avs were second in wins (26), fourth in points (54) and second in goal differential (plus-42) since Dec. 1, the day after the Wedgewood trade. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2025

This aggregation masks the skill differentials between the best and worst performers. —Steven Desmyter, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin differentiālis, from Latin differentia difference entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

noun derivative of differential entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing differential

• differential calculus
• differential diagnosis
• differential equation
• differential gear
• differential geometry
• exact differential
• partial differential equation

Rhymes for differential

• confidential
• inessential
• inferential
• pestilential
• quintessential
• unessential
• equipotential
• experiential
• geopotential
• jurisprudential
• nonresidential
• overpotential

Kids Definition

differential

1 of 2 adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a difference

b

: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory

2

: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2 noun

1

: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things

the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn

2

: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)

Medical Definition

differential

adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a difference

differential birth rates in different economic levels

2

: making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential cell counts

differential staining

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb