difference
difference Lexical Profile
difference Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A point or way in which people or things are not the same; the state or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
"There is a noticeable difference in temperature between the coastal towns and the inland valley."
A significant change or positive impact on a situation.
"Volunteering just a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference in the local community."
The remainder left after one quantity or number is subtracted from another, or the degree by which two amounts vary.
"The insurance policy covered most of the repair costs, and the homeowner paid the difference."
A disagreement, quarrel, or dispute in opinion between two or more people or groups.
"The two committee members managed to set aside their personal differences to finish the project."
• verb
To distinguish or differentiate one thing from another, or to modify a coat of arms with a mark of distinction (especially in heraldry or mathematics).
"In heraldic tradition, a younger son's coat of arms is differenced by adding a small symbol called a label."
• Rhymes for difference
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'difference', from Latin 'differentia' ('diversity, distinction'), derived from the verb 'differre' ('to carry apart, differ'), combining 'dis-' ('apart') and 'ferre' ('to carry').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.