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

We can make a difference by influencing each other—by not only contributing drops into the bucket, but by showing others that we’re doing so, and, in the process, influencing them to do the same.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

It would take many billions of tons of removals to make a difference to the climate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Former Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney still believes Shaw will be at City next season but wherever she is, she will make a difference.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Johnston suggests that even if you can’t double your payments, simply rounding up can make a difference over time.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Would that make a difference to the way I felt about him?

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Related Words

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