difference

noun

dif·fer·ence | \ ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s

, ˈdi-fərn(t)s\

Definition of difference

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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 differences …— William 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

3a : 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

verb

differenced; differencing

Definition of difference (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about difference

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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

Having her in my corner throughout the journey made a world of difference. — Jewel Burks Solomon, Essence, "Three Keys To Succeeding in Business From a Black Woman in Tech Who Soared," 12 Aug. 2019 Heat, however, neither disguises nor dignifies their narcissism of small differences. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: ‘National conservatism’ is ‘Elizabeth Warren conservatism’," 11 Aug. 2019 Heat, however, neither disguises nor dignifies their narcissism of small differences. — George F. Will, The Mercury News, "Will: “National conservatism” is “Elizabeth Warren conservatism”," 11 Aug. 2019 How much of a difference is a hard question to answer. — Michael K. Mcintyre, cleveland.com, "Most Americans want action on guns: What do we know about what works?," 11 Aug. 2019 While certain helmets may be safer than others, the degree of difference is questionable. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Examining Antonio Brown's Legal Options Against NFL Over Helmet Dispute," 11 Aug. 2019 One point of difference is whether the inmate who faces charges for allegedly biting Lucas should have been placed in that jail location rather than in segregation. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego jail inmate was bitten in the face," 11 Aug. 2019 Heat, however, neither disguises nor dignifies their narcissism of small differences. — George F. Will, The Denver Post, "Will: “National conservatism” is “Elizabeth Warren conservatism”," 11 Aug. 2019 The only time Deer Park trailed in Game 5 was at 1-0, but there were a bunch of one-point differences, four of them arriving after an 8-8 tie. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Lady Deer open volleyball season with thrilling 3-2 win over Clear Falls," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

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, "Detroit Lions GM, coach should stop playing games and answer questions," 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, "Rare October Harvest Moon rises tonight," 5 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'difference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for difference

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

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