Main Entry: ¹dif·fer·ent

Pronunciation: \ˈdi-fərnt, ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre

Date: 14th century

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 characters — R. L. Stevenson> <vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago — N. M. Pusey> <a very different situation to the…one under which we live — Sir Winston Churchill>
2 : not the same: 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>

— dif·fer·ent·ness noun

synonyms 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>.

usage 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.