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

This is where the new findings could make a difference.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

“That changed my whole perspective on how to make a difference in this whole place,” Kasamis said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

I can’t make a difference that way,’ ” Cahillane said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

For the low levels of the fermentation-blocking compound to make a difference, the tested urine would need to contain a high concentration of sugar, which usually only happens for people with diabetes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

“Why...well, yes! Good grief, of course! And thank you....I mean, do you really think it’ll make a difference? I don’t mean to suggest that...I don’t know what I mean. Yes, of course!”

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

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