Spanish Conversation · Level 58
74 words
Spanish word
diferenciar
Pronunciation
IPA/difeɾenˈθjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtell apart
Example
No puedo diferenciar a los gemelos.
I can't tell the twins apart.
More examples
Con práctica puedes diferenciar sabores sutiles.
With practice you can tell subtle flavors apart.
Core concept
Comparing similar items to identify what differs between them.
Common phrases
diferenciar sabores
tell flavors apart
diferenciar tonos de voz
tell tones of voice apart
diferenciar lo formal de lo informal
tell formal from informal
Similar words
distinguir: Notices subtle characteristic differences that distinguish similar things.
identificar: Identifies a person or thing as a particular individual or category based on evidence.
reconocer: Recognizes someone or something from prior experience or memory.
contrastar: Places two or more items side by side to show their differences clearly.
Definition in Spanish
Señalar o percibir la diferencia entre dos o más elementos.
Word origin
From Latin differentia via the Romance verb differentiare, Spanish diferenciar uses the verbal suffix -ar to mean the act of perceiving or pointing out a difference.
Usage tips
- Often used with the preposition de to mark the item compared, as in 'diferenciar A de B', so expect de after the thing being contrasted.
Other meanings
- differentiateverb
Related words
- diferenciacióndifferentiationnoun
- diferenciadordifferentiatornoun
- diferenciadodifferentiatedadjective