What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Differentiate vs Discreet - What's the difference?

differentiate | discreet |

As a verb differentiate

is to show, or be the distinction between two things.

As an adjective discreet is

respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic.

differentiate

English

Verb

(differentiat)
  • To show, or be the distinction between two things.
  • * Earle
  • The word "then" was differentiated into the two forms "then" and "than".
  • * {{quote-book, year=1933
  • , passage=The mass of the rich and poor are differentiated by their incomes and nothing else, and the average millionaire is only the average dishwasher dressed in a new suit. , author=George Orwell, title=Down and Out in Paris and London, chapter=Ch. XXII, page=120, publisher=Harvest / Harcourt paperback edition}}
  • To perceive the difference between things; to discriminate.
  • * {{quote-book, title=, year=1964
  • , passage=he refused to instruct that actual intent to harm or recklessness had to be found before punitive damages could be awarded, or that a verdict for respondent should differentiate between compensatory and punitive damages.}}
  • (intransitive) To modify, or be modified.
  • (mathematics) To calculate the derivative of a function.
  • (mathematics) To calculate the differential of a function of multiple variables.
  • (biology) To produce distinct organs or to achieve specific functions by a process of development called differentiation.
  • * {{quote-book, title=, year=1930, author=Robert Evans Snodgrass
  • , passage=In Chapter IV we learned that every animal consists of a body, or soma, formed of cells that are differentiated from the germ cells usually at an early stage of development.}}

    Derived terms

    * differentiation

    discreet

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Respectful of privacy or secrecy; quiet; diplomatic.
  • With a discreet gesture, she reminded him to mind his manners.
    John just doesn't understand that laughing at Mary all day is not very discreet .
  • Not drawing attention, anger or challenge; inconspicuous.
  • Usage notes

    * Do not confuse with discrete .

    Derived terms

    * discreetly * discretion

    Anagrams

    * ----