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.