difference

1 of 2

noun

dif·​fer·​ence ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

ˈdi-fərn(t)s

1

a

: the quality or state of being dissimilar or different

the difference between right and wrong

b

: an instance of being unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality

noted the differences in color and texture

c

archaic : a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average

… an absolute gentleman, full of the most excellent differences …

—William Shakespeare

d

: the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations

Timing is often the difference between success and failure.

2

: distinction or discrimination in preference

3

a

: disagreement in opinion : dissension

b

: an instance or cause of disagreement

unable to settle their differences

4

mathematics : the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure

specifically : remainder sense 2b(1)

5

: a significant change in or effect on a situation

it makes no difference to me

difference

2 of 2

verb

differenced; differencing

transitive verb

: differentiate, distinguish

… every individual has something that differences it from another …

—John Locke

Synonyms

Noun

• contrast
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• disparateness
• disparity
• dissimilarity
• dissimilitude
• distance
• distinction
• distinctiveness
• distinctness
• diverseness
• diversity
• otherness
• unlikeness

Verb

• differentiate
• discern
• discriminate
• distinguish
• secern
• separate

Examples of difference in a Sentence

Noun

She knows the difference between right and wrong.

There's no difference between the two houses. They look exactly the same.

There's a big difference in price.

Verb

people who cannot difference God's will from their own selfish desires and prejudices

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What’s the difference between refinancing and a second mortgage? —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

Everett’s book is about the surprising ways that languages differ and about the significance these differences may have. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

Verb

Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period. —Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023

But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week. —Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin differentia "distinction, distinguishing characteristic," from different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ" + -ia -ia entry 1

Note: Latin differentia was used by Cicero and others as an equivalent of Greek diaphorá, a nominal derivative of diaphérein (see note at differ).

Verb

derivative of difference entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing difference

• a difference of opinion
• age difference
• all the difference in the world
• common difference
• finite difference
• learning difference
• made a big difference
• make a big difference
• make a difference
• make all the difference
• make no difference
• makes a world of difference
• not make any difference
• potential difference
• same difference
• split the difference
• tell the difference
• what difference does it/that make?
• what's the difference?

Kids Definition

difference

noun

dif·​fer·​ence

ˈdif-ərn(t)s,

ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being different

the striking difference in the sisters' looks

2

: the degree or amount by which things differ

especially : the number that is obtained by subtracting one number from another

the difference between 4 and 6 is 2

3

: a disagreement in opinion

persons unable to settle their differences

4

: an important change in or effect on a situation

made no difference to me