differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
the law of one state differs from that of another
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
the number of cookies in a box may differ
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
they differ on religious matters
I beg to differ with your interpretation.

Examples of differ in a Sentence

The two schools differ in their approach to discipline. my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web These versions also differ from the American version in order of the numbers on the wheel. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Absorbency and Leakage: Even among disposable diapers, materials differ widely. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024 The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, differs from the one in 2017 because the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse is wider and passes over more densely populated areas, according to NASA. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 There are no phones or computers, no robots, no autopilot in aircraft, and no AI—which differs from what viewers see in other science fiction films, including those in the Star Wars franchise. Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 The House version of the bill has some differing language from the Senate version. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Out on the streets of Paris, there are differing views on the matter. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 The two species differ genetically by 5.5%, Fry shared. USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 Job requirements often differ by company, division and even within a single department. Eric Friedman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

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

Middle English differren, differen, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French differer "to be different," borrowed (with conjugational change) from Latin differre "to carry away in varying directions, spread abroad, postpone, delay, be unlike or distinct," from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + ferre "to carry, convey"

Note: The meanings of Latin differre, in particular the sense "to be unlike or distinct," copy those of Greek diaphérein, formed with the cognate verb phérein "to carry." English differ is not distinct etymologically from defer entry 1; the two were originally variants with stress on either the first or last syllable, with the meanings "delay" and "be unlike" eventually being restricted to one of the two variants.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of differ was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near differ

Cite this Entry

“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

differ

verb
dif·​fer ˈdif-ər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue

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