split the difference

[dif-er-uhns, dif-ruhns]

dif·fer·ence

[dif-er-uhns, dif-ruhns] noun, verb, dif·fer·enced, dif·fer·enc·ing.
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.
EXPAND
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.
c.
(of a function f) an expression of the form f(x + h) − f(x).
10.
a differentia.
COLLAPSE
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.

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Split the difference is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
13.
split the difference,
a.
to compromise, especially 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; Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin differentia, equivalent to different- carrying different ways (see different) + -ia -ia; see -ence


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.


1. similarity, agreement.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To split the difference
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

split the difference

Compromise between two close figures, divide the remainder equally. For example, You're asking $5,000 for the car and I'm offering $4,000; let's split the difference and make it $4,500. [c. 1700]

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