Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

Difference

 - 6 dictionary results

dif⋅fer⋅ence

  [dif-er-uhns, dif-ruhns] noun, verb, -enced, -enc⋅ing.
Use Difference in a Sentence
–noun
1. the state or relation of being different; dissimilarity: There is a great difference between the two.
2. an instance or point of unlikeness or dissimilarity: What accounts for the differences in their behavior?
3. a significant change in or effect on a situation: His tact makes a difference in the way people accept his suggestions.
4. a distinguishing characteristic; distinctive quality, feature, etc.: The difference in the two products is quality.
5. the degree to which one person or thing differs from another.
6. the act of distinguishing; discrimination; distinction.
7. a disagreement in opinion.
8. a dispute or quarrel.
9. Also called finite distance. Mathematics.
a. the amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.
b. relative complement.
c. (of a function f) an expression of the form f(x + h) − f(x).
10. a differentia.
–verb (used with object)
11. to cause or constitute a difference in or between; make different.
12. to perceive the difference in or between; discriminate.
—Idiom
13. split the difference,
a. to compromise, esp. to make equal concessions.
b. to divide the remainder equally: Let's take half of the cake and let the three of them split the difference.
Origin:
1300–50; ME (< AF) < L differentia, equiv. to different- carrying different ways (see different ) + -ia -ia; see -ence

Synonyms:
1. inconsistency, variation, diversity, imbalance, inequality, divergence, contrast, contrariety. Difference, discrepancy, disparity, dissimilarity imply perceivable unlikeness, variation, or diversity. Difference refers to a lack of identity or a degree of unlikeness: a difference of opinion; a difference of six inches. Discrepancy usually refers to an inconsistency between things that should agree, balance, or harmonize: a discrepancy between the statements of two witnesses. Disparity implies inequality, often where a greater equality might reasonably be expected: a great disparity between the ages of husband and wife. Dissimilarity indicates an essential lack of resemblance between things in some respect comparable: a dissimilarity between social customs in Asia and America. 6. See distinction.

Antonyms:
1. similarity, agreement.

relative complement

 
–noun Mathematics.
the set of elements contained in a given set that are not elements of another specified set.
Also called difference.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Difference
dif·fer·ence   (dĭf'ər-əns, dĭf'rəns)   
n.  

  1. The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.

    1. An instance of disparity or unlikeness.

    2. A degree or amount by which things differ.

    3. A specific point or element that distinguishes one thing from another.

    4. A disagreement or controversy.

    5. A cause of a disagreement or controversy.

    6. The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.

    7. The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.

  3. A noticeable change or effect: Exercise has made a difference in her health.

    1. A disagreement or controversy.

    2. A cause of a disagreement or controversy.

    3. The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.

    4. The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.

  5. Discrimination in taste or choice; distinction.

  6. Mathematics

    1. The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.

    2. The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.

  7. Archaic A distinct mark or peculiarity.

tr.v.   dif·fer·enced, dif·fer·enc·ing, dif·fer·enc·es
To distinguish or differentiate.
Synonyms: These nouns refer to a lack of correspondence or agreement. Difference is the most general: differences in color and size; a difference of opinion.
Dissimilarity is difference between things otherwise alike or comparable: a dissimilarity between the twins' personalities.
Unlikeness usually implies greater and more obvious difference: unlikeness among their teaching styles.
Divergence suggests an increasing difference: points of divergence between British and American English.
Variation occurs between things of the same class or species; often it refers to modification of something original, prescribed, or typical: variations in temperature; a variation in shape.
Distinction often means a difference in detail determinable only by close inspection: the distinction between "good" and "excellent."
A discrepancy is a difference between things that should correspond or match: a discrepancy between his words and his actions.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

difference 
1340, from O.Fr. difference, from L. differentia, from differentem (nom. differens), prp. of differre "to set apart" (see differ). Sense of "a quarrel" first attested 1387. Colloquial phrase what's the diff? first recorded 1896. Different is from c.1384; differential is from 1647; differentiate first attested 1816, on model of Fr. différencier; originally a mathematical term, trans. and non-technical sense of "discriminate between" is from 1876. Earlier, difference had been used as a verb in this sense.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

difference dif·fer·ence (dĭf'ər-əns, dĭf'rəns)
n.
The magnitude or degree by which one quantity differs from another of the same kind.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

difference

see make a difference; split the difference. Also see under different.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see Difference on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way