differential
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˌdɪfɝˈɛnʃəɫ// UK //dˌɪfəɹˈɛnʃəl// dif·fer·en·tial
n. the difference between two amounts, prices, or values. It is often used when comparing how much people get paid for different jobs.
n. a significant difference between comparable things, such as rates of pay or prices. In mathematics, it refers to an infinitesimal change in a variable.
The pay differential between the two roles is quite small.
Economists are studying the price differential between organic and conventional produce in urban supermarkets.
The union argued that the widening wage differential between executive leadership and entry-level staff was unsustainable for long-term company morale.
Morphologically different + -ial.
Usage
Commonly used in economic and technical contexts; often followed by the preposition 'between'.