Words / B2

dif-uh-RENSHL/ˌdɪfəˈrenʃl/

A differential is a difference between two amounts, levels, or rates: a pay differential; a price differential. Gap and disparity are close twins; difference is everyday. Quote the pay differential in the table, then the %. Mix-up: differential vs difference as a vague word with no two named figures; the maths sense (differential equation) and the car gearbox — use those only if the source names calculus or a drivetrain; do not write differential for a single wage with no comparison.

Meaning

A difference between two amounts, levels, or rates, especially of pay.

Examples

• “Quote the pay differential in the table, then the %, the economics paper said.”
• “A north–south differential featured in the census case, which is still two named rates — quote both.”

Good to know

a pay / price / gender differential. Close: gap / disparity. Trap: a single figure with no comparison; calculus or gearbox unless named. Economics and citizenship. A named gap between two rates — quote both figures.

Near in meaning

gap, disparity, difference

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