differ

[ dif-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be unlike, dissimilar, or distinct in nature or qualities (often followed by from ):

   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 or from ):

   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. often foll byfrom or with to be at variance (with); disagree (with)
3. dialect.
   to quarrel or dispute
4. agree to differ
   agree to differ to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion

Other Words From

• un·differ·ing 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

Keep in mind, though, that rating parameters may differ from brand to brand.

From Popular-Science

Aside from whether Wanda herself is trustworthy, you know you can’t leave room for misunderstanding or differing interpretation with her.

From Washington Post

Still, technologies differ in what they can do and what their possible impacts will be.

From Science News For Students

Those guidelines are thoughtful, she says, but the technologies differ in what they’re capable of, and in their possible ethical repurcussions.

From Science News

I’m open to having a conversation as long as it’s respectful and the values where we differ aren’t extreme.

From Washington Blade

The details differ but the intent is the same as in a high-profile case of police brutality.

From The Daily Beast

Unlike Maryland, national costs for institutionalization as opposed to HCBS do not differ by an order of magnitude.

From The Daily Beast

How does the American experience differ when the lines get blurry?

From The Daily Beast

DOJ and CDC numbers differ, and conviction rates are harder to evaluate.

From The Daily Beast

Does the process of writing a novel differ wildly from writing a screenplay?

From The Daily Beast

You may, you probably will, differ very widely upon much that I have here put before you.

From Project Gutenberg

Microscopically, they are yellow or reddish-brown crystals, which differ greatly in size and shape.

From Project Gutenberg

Bringing the second group into relation with the third group, we find they differ only by four.

From Project Gutenberg

But the peace finance and the war finance will differ in one most important respect.

From Project Gutenberg

Activities such as these differ with a whole sky from the wage-work of the modern industrial worker.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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