different

1 of 2

adjective

dif·​fer·​ent ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt How to pronounce different (audio)
ˈdi-fərnt
1
: partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : dissimilar
could hardly be more different
often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to
small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery charactersR. L. Stevenson
vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years agoN. M. Pusey
a very different situation to the … one under which we liveSir Winston Churchill
2
: not the same: such as
a
: distinct
different age groups
b
: various
different members of the class
c
: another
switched to a different TV program
3
: unusual, special
she was different and superior
differentness noun
Is it different than or different from?: Usage Guide

Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.

different

2 of 2

adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for different

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of different in a Sentence

Adjective The two brothers could not have been more different. We need to try an entirely different approach. They met with each other on several different occasions. advertising that tries to be different That movie certainly was different. He has a very different style of dressing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
An investigation by West Allis police revealed in Hartmann’s squad car the presence of other items of evidence from unrelated matters, including two wallets turned over by citizens on two different locations. Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2024 Try out different scents for each season, too; something that wears like a wool sweater in winter will feel out of place in summer; use that as an excuse to get something aquatic or green in the warmer months. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Out of the box, the brain-like look of this unit is a little bit different, though the instructions were clear, and the setup was simple. Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 The various streaming services have different approaches to high quality audio files. Elias Leight, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 After a breakthrough decade in the 1970s where heavy metal captured a different subset of disillusioned listeners than the hippie movement before them, eschewing peace and love for something heavier and darker, many of the heavy metal bands who would endure as greats took stock of their sound. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 Although the justices provided different reasons, the decision's bottom line was unanimous. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Amy Schumer managed to hit different two wedding photoshoots while out on a run on over the weekend. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Washington won its third and final championship under Gibbs, who had a different quarterback each time, including MVP Mark Rypien on this day. 53. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'different.' 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

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ"

Adverb

derivative of different entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1588, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near different

Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/different. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

different

adjective
dif·​fer·​ent
ˈdif-ərnt,
ˈdif-(ə-)rənt
1
: not of the same kind : partly or totally unlike another
this apple is different from the others in size and color
2
: not the same : other, separate
see the same person at different times
differently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on different

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