Word
differential
Phoneticsdif·fer·en·tial, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪfɝˈɛnʃəɫ/
UK/dˌɪfəɹˈɛnʃəl/
Definitions
01a difference in amount
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a difference between two similar things, such as the gap between two people's pay or the price of two products.
n. a qualitative or quantitative difference between similar or comparable entities, often used in economic or social contexts.
“The company is trying to reduce the pay differential between managers and staff.”
“Economists are concerned that the widening price differential between urban and rural housing will prevent young families from moving to the city.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02car part
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a set of gears in a car that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds when going around a corner.
n. a gear assembly that transmits power from the engine to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds.
“If the differential is broken, the car will struggle to turn smoothly.”
“The mechanic explained that the limited-slip differential was essential for maintaining traction on the icy mountain roads.”
03calculus
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical · Academic
n. a very small change in a mathematical variable.
n. an infinitesimal change in a variable, or a function representing the linear approximation of a change in a variable.
“In your calculus homework, you need to calculate the differential of the function.”
“The professor demonstrated how the total differential could be used to approximate the change in the system's volume.”
Synonyms
04based on a difference
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. used to describe something that depends on a difference or treats things differently.
adj. constituting or relating to a difference; distinctive or dependent on specific conditions.
“The new tax has a differential rate depending on how much you earn.”
“The study examined the differential impact of the policy on various socio-economic groups within the region.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “differential” in context.
Adjective
01. differential effect
“The new tax policy had a differential effect on urban and rural households.”
adj + noun
02. differential pattern
“Researchers observed a differential pattern of growth between the two species.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“It has prompted accusations of a "two-tier" justice system , with Mahmood arguing it "amounts to differential treatment" because pre-sentence reports were encouraged for some but not others.” “Income differentials in the United States to this day are vast, and yet a huge proportion of Americans identify themselves as middle-class.” “The reversals come from differential error: one site’s estimate proving optimistic while another’s proves pessimistic.” “The most obvious differential between his new quartet is pace - something brought into further focus by England's decision to prioritise bowlers who reach high speeds during last winter's Ashes defeat.” Etymology
Morphologically different + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/differential