differ
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to be unlike, dissimilar, or distinct in nature or qualities (often followed byfrom ).
The two writers differ greatly in their perceptions of the world. Each writer's style differs from that of another.
-
to disagree in opinion, belief, etc.; be at variance; disagree (often followed by with orfrom ).
His business partner always differs with him.
-
Obsolete. to dispute; quarrel.
verb
-
(often foll by from) to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)
-
to be at variance (with); disagree (with)
-
dialect to quarrel or dispute
-
to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have differedperfect
-
has differedperfect 3rd person singular
-
is differingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am differingprogressive 1st person singular
-
are differingprogressive
-
has been differingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
differingparticiple
-
have been differingperfect progressive
-
differssingular 3rd person
Past
-
had differedperfect
-
were differingprogressive plural
-
was differingprogressive singular
-
had been differingperfect progressive
-
differedparticiple
-
differedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of differ
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English differren “to distinguish,” from Middle French differer “to put off, distinguish,” Latin differre “to bear apart, scatter, be different,” from dif- dif- + ferre “to bear, bring, carry”
Explanation
To differ is to be different, or to vary. Your list of favorite movies might differ from your sister's, especially if you like romantic comedies and she likes action films. Gas prices differ from state to state, and sometimes even from one side of the street to the other. Opinions on politics can often differ within a single family, and sometimes food preferences differ so much that no one can decide where to eat lunch. The verb differ can mean simply "be unlike," but it can also mean "clash" or "dissent." The Latin root, differre, combines dis, "away from," with ferre, "carry."
Vocabulary lists containing differ
"Making Faces"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Shut Up, This Is Serious
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
No similar increase was seen among patients with MCI, suggesting that the supplement's effects may differ depending on the stage of disease.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
Canada and Mexico's own immigration and visa schemes differ from those in the US.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
A big way the Trump Accounts differ from IRAs is the money in the former generally can’t be tapped at all before age 18.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
The Sheriff’s Office warned that visitors on the trails should prepare for conditions that can differ significantly between high and low elevations.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
And these rules differ from one raga to the next.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
