make a difference
Idioms-
Distinguish or discriminate. This phrase appears in the Bible (Leviticus 11:47): “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean.” [Late 1500s]
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Also, make the difference . Cause a change in effect, change the nature of something, as in His score on this test will make the difference between passing and failing , or These curtains sure make a difference in the lighting .
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Be important, matter, as in Her volunteer work made a difference in many lives . The antonym of this usage is make no difference , as in It makes no difference to me if we go immediately or in an hour . This usage appeared long ago in slightly different versions. Miles Coverdale's translation of the Bible of 1535 had it is no difference , and the converse, it makes great difference , was first recorded about 1470.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But could any of it make a difference?
From Salon • May 29, 2026
From the base of Middlesbrough's midfield, Hayden Hackney demonstrated a range of passing, athleticism, and tendency to make a difference in key moments that stood out in the division.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
"We aren't just trying to understand the biological mechanisms, we are translating and developing our findings into real-world therapies that could make a difference," Shetty said.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
Raman drew boos from the group in 2024 when she asserted that it wouldn’t make a difference for student safety if a homeless camp was located five feet or 500 feet from a school.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
A legacy left by one girl, carried by one woman, was passed on to a new generation of teens who have the chance to make a difference like Anne’s diary did.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
