Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or quality of being unlike or dissimilar: The condition of having characteristics that are not the same.
   • A point or way in which people or things are not the same: A specific instance of dissimilarity.
   • A disagreement, quarrel, or dispute: A conflict of opinion or interest.
   • The result of subtracting one number from another: The remainder in a subtraction problem.
   • A significant change or effect: A noticeable impact that alters a situation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • There is a big difference in climate between the north and the south of the country.
  • The main difference between the two cars is their fuel efficiency.
  • They had a difference over how to manage the project.
  • The difference between 10 and 6 is 4.
  • Your donation will make a real difference to the charity's work.

Advanced Usage

• "make a difference": To have a significant effect, especially a positive one.
  • Volunteering your time can really make a difference in your community.
• "split the difference": To compromise by agreeing on an amount or point midway between two proposed figures or positions.
  • You want \$50, I want \$30. Let's split the difference and agree on \$40.
• "with a difference": Having a distinctive or unusual feature.
  • It's a summer camp with a difference—it focuses on science and robotics.

Variants and Related Words

• Different (adj): Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
  • She has a different perspective on the issue.
• Differ (v): To be unlike or dissimilar; to disagree.
  • Our tastes in music differ greatly.
• Differential (adj/n): Constituting a specific difference; relating to or showing a difference. As a noun, it can refer to a difference in amount or a technical gear mechanism.
  • There is a differential pricing model for students.
• Differentiate (v): To recognize or ascertain what makes (someone or something) different; to make or become different in the process of growth or development.
  • The company must differentiate its products from its competitors'.

Synonyms

• Distinction: A difference or contrast between similar things or people.
• Discrepancy: A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
• Disagreement: Lack of consensus or approval.
• Remainder: What is left over after subtraction.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Differ from: To be unlike something else.
  • This model differs from the old one in several key ways.
• Differ with: To disagree with someone.
  • I must differ with you on that point.

Related Idioms

• "Same difference": Used to say that two things, while possibly different in detail, are effectively the same in outcome or meaning.
  • "You can take the bus or the train; it's the same difference—you'll get there at the same time."
• "What's the difference?": Used to ask why something matters or to suggest that something is unimportant.
  • "We can eat now or later. What's the difference?"

Noun

1. the number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend
2. a significant change
   • the difference in her is amazing
   • his support made a real difference
3. a disagreement or argument about something important
   • he had a dispute with his wife
   • there were irreconcilable differences
   • the familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
4. a variation that deviates from the standard or norm
   • the deviation from the mean
5. the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
   • there are many differences between jazz and rock