differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər 

differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ 

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 political matters.

I beg to differ with your interpretation.

Synonyms of differ

• contrast
• vary

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

The men’s accounts differed, contradicted each other, and were contrary to what Doe told police, the Times report said. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

But their mainstream goals couldn’t differ more from what PinkPantheress wants for herself. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

More recent negotiations to end the war have largely failed to address differing opinions on ownership and control over the Strait. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

Methods also differ across states, with the majority of executions in 2025 carried out by lethal injection. — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing differ

• agree to differ
• beg to differ

Rhymes for differ

• sniffer
• stiffer

Kids Definition

differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdif-ər 

differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to be not the same : be unlike

brothers who differ in looks

2

: disagree sense 2

differ only on one issue