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difference definition

dif·fer·ence (dif′ər əns, dif′rəns)

noun

  1. condition, quality, fact, or instance of being different
  2. the way in which people or things are different; esp., a determining point or factor that makes for a distinct change or contrast
    1. the state of holding a differing opinion; disagreement
    2. the point at issue; point of disagreement
  4. a dispute; quarrel
  5. a discrimination or distinction in preference
  6. a significant effect on or change in a situation
  7. Math. the amount by which one quantity differs from another; remainder left after subtraction

Etymology: ME < OFr < L differentia < differens, prp. of differre: see differ

transitive verb differenced -·enced′, differencing -·enc′·ing

Rare to distinguish as or make different
difference Idioms

(it's the) same difference

Slang there is no difference

make a difference

  1. to have an effect; matter
  2. to change the outlook or situation

make no difference

to have no effect; not matter

split the difference

  1. to share the remainder equally
  2. to make a compromise

what's the difference?

Informal what does it matter?

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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