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

In a binary system, the two stars usually differ slightly in mass and move along stretched, elliptical paths. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026

Beyond the piña, however, opinions among botanical experts differ on the value of the leaves and their usage. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026

Dynamic water lines cause uncertainty Wisconsin has more than 800 miles of Great Lakes shorelines, which fundamentally differ from inland lakes because water levels are much more dynamic. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026

This course differs from the 2025 Miami E-Prix track at Homestead, where NASCAR’s Championship Weekend will run on the oval in November. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 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