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.
Philanthropists can still make a difference in higher education.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
I just want the money to make a difference while they’re young enough to benefit from it.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Asked whether she thought his message would make a difference for her, she once again paused.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
Whoever she voted for, whatever their party affiliation, she felt it would not make a difference, Brooks recalled.
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
He knew enough about the strange power of unconscious influence to feel that it would make a difference, but he thought the effect would be slight.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
