difference

1 of 2

noun

dif·​fer·​ence ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce difference (audio)
ˈdi-fərn(t)s
1
a
: the quality or state of being dissimilar or different
the difference between right and wrong
b
: an instance of being unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality
noted the differences in color and texture
c
archaic : a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average
… an absolute gentleman, full of the most excellent differencesWilliam Shakespeare
d
: the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations
Timing is often the difference between success and failure.
2
: distinction or discrimination in preference
3
a
: disagreement in opinion : dissension
b
: an instance or cause of disagreement
unable to settle their differences
4
mathematics : the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure
specifically : remainder sense 2b(1)
5
: a significant change in or effect on a situation
it makes no difference to me

difference

2 of 2

verb

differenced; differencing

transitive verb

: differentiate, distinguish
… every individual has something that differences it from another …John Locke

Examples of difference in a Sentence

Noun She knows the difference between right and wrong. There's no difference between the two houses. They look exactly the same. There's a big difference in price. Verb people who cannot difference God's will from their own selfish desires and prejudices
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There are swipes at the way society’s underdogs and outcasts are treated by those who rule, how religious and cultural differences get politicized and then weaponized in the name of power and profit, and how a caste system continues to warp the humanity of all involved. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2024 What is the difference between a mosquito hawk and a crane fly? The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024 The difference with French is that the Dublin Murder Squad novels bend and train themselves around each detective’s quirks—Cassie’s hungry confusion, Rob’s baggy vulnerability, Mackey’s slick bravado—like a pear tree espaliered against a sturdy garden wall. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024 Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 Davis filed at $6.9 million, the team at $6.55 million, and now the Giants pocket almost all of it over a difference of $350,000. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 The main difference is the cane identifies obstacles. Rachel Chang and Thomas Panek, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024 What is the difference between an atheist and an agnostic? Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 At the same time, unfortunately, many low-income Black parents who are uninsured or receiving Medicaid may find that, on an anecdotal level, there is a difference in treatment. Pamela Appea, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024
Verb
Special teams difference After a penalty-free first period, the Wings had a power play 6:58 into the second period. Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 6 Jan. 2023 But that’s largely attributed to the singular genius of coach Bill Belichick, who is famous for his ability to adapt his game plan and players to difference situations each week. Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2018 For the days closest to the equinox, the Harvest Moon rise occurs between 30 and 35 minutes difference each day, as opposed to the normal 50 minutes through most of the rest of the year. Richard Tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, 5 Oct. 2017

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

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin differentia "distinction, distinguishing characteristic," from different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ" + -ia -ia entry 1

Note: Latin differentia was used by Cicero and others as an equivalent of Greek diaphorá, a nominal derivative of diaphérein (see note at differ).

Verb

derivative of difference entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of difference was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near difference

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

difference

noun
dif·​fer·​ence
ˈdif-ərn(t)s,
ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being different
the striking difference in the sisters' looks
2
: the degree or amount by which things differ
especially : the number that is obtained by subtracting one number from another
the difference between 4 and 6 is 2
3
: a disagreement in opinion
persons unable to settle their differences
4
: an important change in or effect on a situation
made no difference to me

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