difference

1 of 2

noun

dif·​fer·​ence ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

ˈdi-fərn(t)s

1

a

: the quality or state of being dissimilar or different

the difference between right and wrong

The new model is supposed to be better, but I can't tell the difference.

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

3

a

: disagreement in opinion : dissension

b

: an instance or cause of disagreement

unable to settle their differences

4

: the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure

their difference in age

specifically, mathematics : remainder sense 2b(1)

5

: a significant change in or effect on a situation

It makes no difference to me.

tell the difference

2 of 2

phrase

: to see how two or more people or things are unlike each other

It's hard to tell the difference between one action movie and another.

The new version is supposed to be much better than the old one, but I can't tell the difference (between them).

Synonyms of difference

Noun

• diversity
• distinctiveness
• contrast
• distinctness
• distinction
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• distance
• divergence
• disparity
• diverseness

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One of the major differences between Huang and Raman’s campaigns was the amount of cash each had on hand to reach out to voters. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

What a difference a week makes. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 June 2026

Macron and Merz had tried for months to salvage the project and overcome differences between Airbus and Dassault. —CNN Money, 9 June 2026

For Christian Hall, something as simple as a bed, a meal, and a safe place to sleep has made all the difference. —Brian Unger, CBS News, 9 June 2026

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).

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing difference

• a difference of opinion
• age difference
• all the difference in the world
• common difference
• finite difference
• learning difference
• made a big difference
• make a big difference
• make a difference
• make all the difference
• make no difference
• makes a world of difference
• not make any difference
• potential difference
• same difference
• split the difference
• what difference does it/that make?
• what's the difference?

Rhymes for difference

• indifference

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