difference
noun (countable)
UK/ˈdɪf.ər.əns/US/ˈdɪf.ər.əns/
A particular amount or degree of something that makes it distinct.
Example Sentences
The difference in temperature between day and night is significant in this region.
There was a noticeable difference in their writing styles.
The difference in quality made one product more desirable than the other.
She couldn't ignore the difference in their behavior after the event.
The degree of difference between the two samples was analyzed in the study.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A measure of how items, ideas, or values diverge or contrast.Typically used as a noun, “difference” underscores any variation, gap, or contrast between entities. You might say, “There’s a big difference in price between these two laptops,” calling attention to a disparity. It can also highlight more abstract contrasts—such as differing opinions: “Our main difference is how we approach the problem.” In math, “difference” refers to the result of subtracting one quantity from another, e.g., “The difference between 10 and 7 is 3.” By specifying the elements you’re comparing—price points, viewpoints, numerical values—you clarify what sets them apart or how they deviate from a baseline. The term also appears in discussions of impact: “Volunteering made a real difference in her community,” meaning a positive change. Whether you’re pointing out subtle distinctions in taste or major discrepancies in cost, “difference” signals that something sets one item, idea, or amount apart from another.
Alternatives
For synonyms or related words, consider “discrepancy,” “contrast,” or “variation,” each showing a nuance of distinction. “Discrepancy” often stresses inconsistency—“There’s a discrepancy in the accounting reports.” “Contrast” highlights noticeable opposition—“Her style is in sharp contrast to his.” “Variation” suggests changes or shifts from a norm—“There’s significant variation in regional cooking.” In everyday phrasing, “gap” or “distinction” can suit practical contexts—“There’s a gap between what was promised and what was delivered.” Meanwhile, phrases like “lack of alignment” or “mismatch” highlight mismatched elements. Selecting the right term ensures you convey whether it’s a small, subtle variation or a glaring inconsistency. Such synonyms can enrich your language, pinpointing the kind and magnitude of deviation you wish to emphasize.
Writing
When writing, “difference” can frame an argument, highlight pivotal contrasts, or anchor comparative discussions. In essays or analyses, you may say, “The key difference lies in their underlying assumptions,” guiding readers to note distinct principles. In a research paper, “differences in results” might spotlight how outcomes diverged, prompting further interpretation or explanation. Varying synonyms helps you avoid repetition—“While their methods seem similar, there’s a stark contrast in their theoretical basis.” Offer specifics: identify whose perspectives differ, or what metric is measured to determine numerical gaps (like test scores or performance percentages). If you’re discussing a subtle distinction, clarify why that difference matters—perhaps it shifts an outcome or changes how an audience perceives a topic. Through well-defined points of comparison, “difference” draws the reader’s eye to the crux of any argument, showing precisely what sets two ideas, processes, or experiences apart. If you’re concluding, you might restate the differences succinctly, underscoring your overall stance and reminding readers why the contrast is meaningful.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, using “difference” often boils down to pointing out how things are not the same—“What’s the difference between these two recipes?” or “I can’t tell the difference between these shades of blue!” Friends might say, “It doesn’t make much difference to me,” implying they’re indifferent to the choice. If the variation is tiny, you could mention, “The difference is marginal,” or “I hardly notice a difference,” whereas a major gap prompts phrases like, “That’s a world of difference!” For more playful banter, you might hear, “See the difference?” challenging someone to spot changes in pictures or behaviors. If the word starts feeling repetitive, switch to “contrast,” “gap,” or “distinction”—“I don’t see any real distinction,” or “Is there a big gap in price?” Tone typically remains light and direct in casual use. Whether you’re choosing between snacks, outfits, or viewpoints, “difference” in day-to-day dialogue clarifies options and highlights big or small ways in which they diverge.
Etymology
“Difference” comes from the Old French “difference,” which traces further back to the Latin “differentia,” a noun form of “differre,” meaning “to carry apart” or “to be unlike.” The root “dis-” implies separation, and “ferre” suggests carrying or bearing, collectively pointing to the act of ‘carrying apart’ or setting things apart. Over centuries, English integrated it to signify not only literal separation but also conceptual divergence—be it a price gap, a philosophical contrast, or a numerical subtraction. This heritage underscores how the notion of ‘being unlike’ or ‘pulling apart’ remains central, whether discussing subtle nuances in everyday objects or major dissimilarities in viewpoints, data sets, or cultural practices.
