differential.

1. Applying differently to different groups, conditions, or amounts.

2. The amount by which two related values or rates differ.

3. A mechanism that lets driven wheels turn at different speeds.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• differential treatment
• differential effect

On the page

The fee structure had a differential effect on smaller firms.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Normally non-gradable; no ordinary comparative or superlative.. Noun singular differential; plural differentials.. Noun singular differential; plural differentials. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: analysis, evaluation. Commonness: moderately common.