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 who is this really for, and does it make a difference?
From Slate ● Jul. 13, 2026
The efforts are starting to make a difference.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
He finds the sense of patriotism and camaraderie to be attractive, as well as "trying to make a difference for your own country... and trying to do something yourself".
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Colleagues and friends remembered him as a cop who wanted to make a difference.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
“Hello, ma’am, my name is Suesetta. I’m here today to gain your support and help make a difference in our community.”
From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
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.
