difference
pronunciation
How to pronounce difference in British English:
UK [ˈdɪfrəns]
How to pronounce difference in American English:
US [ˈdɪfrəns]
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- Noun:
- the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
- a variation that deviates from the standard or norm
- a disagreement or argument about something important
- a significant change
- the number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend
Word Origin
- difference (n.)
- mid-14c., from Old French difference (12c.) "difference, distinction; argument, dispute," from Latin differentia "diversity, difference," from differentem (nominative differens), present participle of differre "to set apart" (see differ). Sense of "a quarrel" first attested late 14c. Colloquial phrase what's the diff? first recorded 1896.
Synonym
wrangle dispute jangle disputation squabble quarrel logomachy tiff broil debate rupture row feud vendetta bickering argument contention spat
inconformity unlikeness imparity contrariety deviation inconsistency discrepancy contrast divergence antithesis disparity nonconformity variance dissimilarity opposition dissimilitude inequality
disagreement clash opposition dissension conflict dissent disaccord antagonism dissidence variance contradiction controversy strife
Example
- 1. Can the commons make a difference ?
- 2. But there is one important difference .
- 3. The difference is their attitude .
- 4. The bigger difference is weight .
- 5. There is a big difference .