differential

noun

UK /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

US /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

A differential is the difference between two amounts or things.

The price differential between the two cars was about two thousand dollars.

SYNONYMS

difference gap disparity variance distinction

RELATED WORDS

difference gear contrast margin deviation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A gear system in a car that lets the wheels turn at different speeds.

The mechanic replaced the rear differential in the truck.

3. In math, a very small change in a value.

The engineer calculated the differential to find the tiny error.

4. Treating people differently based on a group they belong to.

The company was criticized for differential pay between workers.