make a difference
Idioms-
Distinguish or discriminate. This phrase appears in the Bible (Leviticus 11:47): “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean.” [Late 1500s]
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Also, make the difference . Cause a change in effect, change the nature of something, as in His score on this test will make the difference between passing and failing , or These curtains sure make a difference in the lighting .
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Be important, matter, as in Her volunteer work made a difference in many lives . The antonym of this usage is make no difference , as in It makes no difference to me if we go immediately or in an hour . This usage appeared long ago in slightly different versions. Miles Coverdale's translation of the Bible of 1535 had it is no difference , and the converse, it makes great difference , was first recorded about 1470.
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.
But Geletka has seen that even telling ourselves something simple like “I can only spend $50 today” can make a difference.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
She added she raises money for charity because it can make a difference - and because she was inspired by some words she read on a hospital wall where she worked as a nurse.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
A guiding light in troubled times: When the news has you spiraling, sometimes it helps to consider how ordinary people can make a difference.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026
"What Burnham's doing is really very different because he's trying to underline that things can be better, and government can still make a difference."
From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026
Many teachers felt that no matter how creative they were in the classroom, it wouldn’t make a difference anyway.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
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.
