differ
Americanverb (used without object)
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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.
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to disagree in opinion, belief, etc.; be at variance; disagree (often followed by with orfrom ).
His business partner always differs with him.
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Obsolete. to dispute; quarrel.
verb
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(often foll by from) to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)
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to be at variance (with); disagree (with)
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dialect to quarrel or dispute
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to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion
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”
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.
The tastes of fans on Spotify and YouTube differ a lot, judging by their charts.
From BBC
Much of the debate around the data underpinning the quiet revival centres on the differing survey methods used by different researchers.
From BBC
Spintronics relies on spin, a fundamental property of electrons, to carry and process information in ways that differ from today's conventional electronics.
From Science Daily
He also cited differing “approaches being taken by specific firms,” which may refer to the methods by which alternative asset managers estimate the value of illiquid investments.
From MarketWatch
Across the Federal Reserve’s 12 regional banks, economists routinely publish work that differs in conclusion.
From Barron's
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.
