difference

1 of 2

noun

dif·​fer·​ence ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce difference (audio)
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 differencesWilliam 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

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
With their long history as patrons of the arts, the Cacciatores knew the difference between tossing money at artists and nurturing them. Jason Kersten, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2024 Also folks that understand photography will know the difference between an edited image and a manipulated image. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 What is the difference between a penumbral and a total lunar eclipse? The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024 Wales said the values of the groups involved in discussions about the petitions are the same but there are some differences in strategy. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 That said, having personal cheerleaders to root for me (and vice versa) made a huge difference in my motivation. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 22 Mar. 2024 Although pinpointing the differences between sectors is more complicated than a lot of people want to think, overall, MPS revenue per student remains higher than voucher and charter revenue per student, but the difference is much smaller than in prior years. Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 The differences between his affluent neighborhood in the Bahamas and their more working-class Overtown neighborhood became evident to Roberts. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024 Indeed, a key difference between conventional and organic agriculture is their approach to dealing with unwanted pests. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 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 For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year. Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'difference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of difference was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near difference

Cite this Entry

“Difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difference. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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