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

Political parties in Puerto Rico differ dramatically from those on the mainland.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

“Each bankruptcy shutdown can differ from the last,” said William McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Although these molecules are similar, their structures differ in subtle but important ways.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

The study's authors said while the results may differ across AI models in real-world settings, they indicate that, like humans, these systems make "warmth-accuracy trade-offs" when prioritising friendliness.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Actives and passives differ in which character gets to be the subject, and hence which starts out in the reader’s mental spotlight.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

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