beg to differ

Idioms

Disagree with someone, as in John told me Max was sure to win, but I beg to differ—I don't think he has a chance. This courteous formula for expressing disagreement echoes similar uses of beg in the sense of “ask,” such as I beg your pardon, so used since about 1600. Also see excuse me.

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.

I beg to differ here: The trial was conducted with full transparency, closely witnessed by citizens, the media and foreign consular officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Influencer and wrestler Logan Paul thinks so, but many financial pros beg to differ.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

McIlroy, having won at Pebble Beach and last month's Players, should certainly beg to differ on that seemingly mischievous assertion.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025

“I beg to differ that this is just Christian. But I have no qualms if it was,” Horton said during a committee hearing in April.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

"I beg to differ," the brother with the pipe said.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023