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.
Waldorf said she hopes that sharing the details of her trauma may finally make a difference.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
"We aren't just trying to understand the biological mechanisms, we are translating and developing our findings into real-world therapies that could make a difference," Shetty said.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
Veteran GOP strategist Rob Stutzman, a top adviser to Whitman during her 2010 campaign, said he didn’t think voters’ primary concern would be Steyer’s self-funding, but the money could make a difference.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Improving your diet, exercising and losing weight can make a difference in visceral fat levels.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
He proves that one person can stand up to evil and make a difference.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
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.
