dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt ˌdɪ.fəˈɹɛnt.ʃi.eɪt dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃ səˈsɜː(ɹ)n ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz

become distinct and acquire a different character evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment become different during development cells differentiate calculate a derivative; take the derivative mark as different We distinguish several kinds of maple be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense His modesty distinguishes him from his peers