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

But if it is to make a difference and enable drivers to at least get into a position to try an overtake, this is likely to be in combination with an offset in tyre degradation.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

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

For one dollar a day, you can make a difference in this child’s life.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

Related Words

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