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differ

 - 4 dictionary results

dif⋅fer

  [dif-er]
–verb (used without object)
1. to be unlike, dissimilar, or distinct in nature or qualities (often fol. by from): The two writers differ greatly in their perceptions of the world. Each writer's style differs from that of another.
2. to disagree in opinion, belief, etc.; be at variance; disagree (often fol. by with or from): His business partner always differs with him.
3. Obsolete. to dispute; quarrel.
Use differ in a Sentence
Origin:
1325–75; ME differren to distinguish < MF differer to put off, distinguish, L differre to bear apart, put off, delay (see defer 1 ) be different, equiv. to dif- dif- + ferre to bear
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To differ
dif·fer   (dĭf'ər)   
intr.v.   dif·fered, dif·fer·ing, dif·fers

  1. To be dissimilar or unlike in nature, quality, amount, or form: Ambition differs from greed.

  2. To be of a different opinion; disagree: The critic differed with the author on several facts.

  3. Obsolete To quarrel; dispute.


[Middle English differren, from Old French differer, from Latin differre, to differ, delay : dis-, apart; see dis- + ferre, to carry; see bher-1 in Indo-European roots.]
Synonyms: These verbs mean to be unlike or dissimilar: Birds differ from mammals. Their testimony disagreed on several points. People vary in intelligence.
Antonym: agree
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

differ 
c.1375, from O.Fr. diferer, from L. differre "to set apart, differ," from dis- "away from" + ferre "carry" (see infer). Two senses that were present in L. have gone separate ways in Eng. since c.1500 with defer (transitive) and differ (intransitive).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

differ

see beg to differ. Also see under difference; different.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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