diferenciamse

Diferenciam-se is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Portuguese reflexive verb diferenciar-se, meaning that they differentiate themselves or distinguish themselves. The infinitive is diferenciar-se, and the verb expresses an act in which a group or person marks a difference between itself and others. The term is used in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese.

Etymology and related forms: the core verb diferencia- comes from diferenciar, meaning to differentiate or distinguish, combined with the reflexive pronoun se. The reflexive construction is common across Romance languages to indicate actions performed by a subject on itself, often implying identity, style, or stance.

Usage and nuance: diferenciam-se is commonly used to describe individuals or groups that set themselves apart through traits, behaviors, beliefs, styles, or affiliations. It can refer to self-presentation in social, cultural, or professional contexts. Examples in Portuguese include: "Os estudantes diferenciam-se pelo sotaque e pela maneira de se vestir," which translates to "The students differentiate themselves by their accent and their style of dress," and "A empresa diferenciam-se pela qualidade do atendimento," meaning "The company differentiates itself by the quality of its service."

Grammatical notes: the verb is used with a reflexive pronoun, typically placed before the verb in finite tenses (eles se diferenciam) or attached to an infinitive or gerund in other constructions (diferenciar-se). Conjugation follows standard patterns of regular -ar verbs with reflexive pronouns.

See also: diferenciar, identidade, diferenciação.