differ

American  

[dif-er] / ˈdɪf ər /

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.

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differ British  

/ 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

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differ Idioms  

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

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Other Word Forms

• undiffering
  adjective

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."

Example Sentences

Stephanie Nguyen, former FTC Chief Technologist and current senior fellow at Columbia University’s Center for Law and the Economy, begs to differ.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

But that higher return can also reflect the risks that differ from other debts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Entitled “Winning the Loser’s Game,” the book described two types of contests — winner’s games and loser’s games — that differ according to whether risk-taking is necessary to win.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Sitting next to Carr, Faith begged to differ, smiling as she wags her finger at the camera.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

"That's one way we differ, Jaime and I. He's taller as well, you may have noticed."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• alter
• conflict with
• contradict
• contrast
• disagree
• diverge
• modify
• vary