Difference Definition

dĭfər-əns, dĭfrəns
differenced, differences, differencing
noun
differences
Condition, quality, fact, or instance of being different.
Webster's New World
An instance of disparity or unlikeness.
There is a big difference in sound between a clarinet and an oboe.
American Heritage
The way in which people or things are different; esp., a determining point or factor that makes for a distinct change or contrast.
Webster's New World
The state of holding a differing opinion; disagreement.
Webster's New World
A degree or amount by which things differ.
A difference in height of three inches.
American Heritage
verb
To distinguish as or make different.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
(it's the) same difference
  • there is no difference
Webster's New World
make a difference
  • to have an effect; matter
  • to change the outlook or situation
Webster's New World
make no difference
  • to have no effect; not matter
Webster's New World
split the difference
  • to share the remainder equally
  • to make a compromise
Webster's New World
what's the difference?
  • what does it matter?
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Difference

Noun

Singular:
difference
Plural:
differences

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Difference

Origin of Difference

  • From Middle English, from Old French difference, from Latin differentia (“difference”), from differens (“different”), present participle of differre

    From Wiktionary

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