make a difference

Idioms  

1. Distinguish or discriminate. This phrase appears in the Bible (Leviticus 11:47): “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean.” [Late 1500s]

2. 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 .

3. 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.

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Example Sentences

“Growing up, I didn’t know how special that was. I didn’t know how unique that was. She wanted to be engaged in the community and make a difference always,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

That space for repair still exists - and a new government could make a difference.

From BBC

"I knew I wanted to go into nursing and help people with mental health and help people go through what I went through. I had that passion to hopefully make a difference."

From BBC

Now, 10 years on, after years of missed school and hospital stays, she has earned a degree in mental health nursing and has a cast-iron determination to make a difference to young people suffering as she once did.

From BBC

She stresses that most people do not need dramatic dietary interventions and "most of us don't need to heal our gut as if your gut is healthy, none of these things are going to make a difference".

From BBC

Related Words

• affect
• count
• imply
• involve
• mean
• signify