differential

noun
UK: /ˌdɪfəˈrenʃəl/
US: /ˌdɪfəˈrenʃəl/

  1. A difference between similar things.

    1. There is a slight differential in price between the two cars. [ ] [ ]
    2. The interest rate differential between the two bonds made one more attractive. [ ] [ ]

  2. A gear arrangement allowing driving wheels on the same axle to revolve at different speeds.

    1. The car needed a new differential to handle off-road terrain. [ ] [ ]
    2. The mechanic explained the importance of differential maintenance for smooth turning. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

distinction disparity variation
differential adjective

  1. Showing a difference; relating to or based on a difference.

    1. The differential diagnosis helped the doctor identify the illness. [ ] [ ]
    2. Differential treatment of employees based on performance is often necessary. [ ] [ ]

  2. Calculated or measured by calculus.

    1. Differential equations are used to model complex systems. [ ] [ ]
    2. The students studied differential calculus to solve physics problems. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "differential" in English means: A difference between similar things., A gear arrangement allowing driving wheels on the same axle to revolve at different speeds..

The phonetic transcription of "differential" is /ˌdɪfəˈrenʃəl/ in British English and /ˌdɪfəˈrenʃəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "differential": distinction, disparity, variation.

Example usage of "differential": "There is a slight differential in price between the two cars.". More examples on the page.