differ

[dif-er]

verb (used without object)

1. 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.

2. to disagree in opinion, belief, etc.; be at variance; disagree (often followed by with orfrom ).

   His business partner always differs with him.

3. Obsolete.,  to dispute; quarrel.

differ

/ ˈdɪfə /

verb

1. (often foll by from) to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)

2. to be at variance (with); disagree (with)

3. dialect,  to quarrel or dispute

4. to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion

Other Word Forms

• undiffering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of differ¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of differ¹

C14: from Latin differre, literally: to bear off in different directions, hence scatter, put off, be different, from dis- apart + ferre to bear

Idioms and Phrases

see beg to differ. Also see under difference; different.

Example Sentences

Accounts differ on how many prisoners were freed.

Read more on Barron's

Their experience as a young family, Brown said, differs from the message she thinks a lot of young people see about how they should structure their lives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Because jobs differ in what they are made of.

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Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mojtaba Zabihi, the study's first author, explains that room configurations and existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can differ widely.

Read more on Science Daily

Whenever he was asked a question about their differing views, the mayor-elect brought the conversation back to this topic.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• alter 
• conflict with www.thesaurus.com
• contradict 
• contrast 
• disagree 
• diverge 
• modify 
• vary