Serving to show or create differences; having the quality or function of making things distinct.
From 'differentiate' with the suffix '-ive,' meaning having the nature or function of. The Latin root 'differentia' combines 'dis-' (apart) and 'ferre' (to carry).
Grammarians use 'differentiative' to describe words or features that distinguish meaning—like the 'un-' prefix is differentiative because it creates opposite meanings (happy/unhappy).
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.