Different vs. Difference — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
"Different" is an adjective that indicates something is not the same, while "difference" is a noun denoting the quality or state of being unlike or dissimilar.
Difference Between Different and Difference
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Different" is an adjective used to describe something as not the same or distinct. "Difference," a noun, refers to the quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
While "different" is used to characterize or modify nouns, indicating variation or distinction, "difference" encapsulates the concept or state of being dissimilar.
In usage, "different" often precedes a noun or comes after linking verbs. "Difference" can stand alone or be followed by prepositions to indicate specifics of dissimilarity.
The scope of "different" is usually confined to describing individual items or people. "Difference," on the other hand, can refer to abstract concepts, numerical variations, or general distinctions.
The emotional or connotative weight can vary. "Different" can carry neutral, positive, or negative connotations depending on context. "Difference" often implies a comparison or contrast, which can be factual, evaluative, or subjective.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Function in Sentence
Modifies nouns or follows linking verbs
Can be subject, object, or complement
Usage
Describes variation or distinction in individual entities
Refers to the state or quality of being dissimilar
Scope
Usually describes specific items or people
Can refer to abstract concepts, numerical variations, or general distinctions
Connotation
Neutral, positive, or negative based on context
Often implies comparison or contrast
Compare with Definitions
Different
Not the same as another.
Each snowflake is different.
Difference
The quality of being unlike.
The difference in colors is striking.
Different
Varying in nature or quality.
The twins have different personalities.
Difference
A disagreement or dispute.
They resolved their differences.
Different
Contrary or opposing.
Their opinions are very different.
Difference
A change or alteration.
The renovation made a big difference.
Different
Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality
You can play this game in different ways
The car is different from anything else on the market
Difference
The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
Different
Distinct or separate.
They come from different backgrounds.
Difference
An instance of disparity or unlikeness
There is a big difference in sound between a clarinet and an oboe.
Different
Unusual or unique.
Her style is different.
Difference
A degree or amount by which things differ
A difference in height of three inches.
Different
Distinct; separate
On two different occasions
Difference
A noticeable change or effect
Exercise has made a difference in her health.
Different
Unlike in form, quality, amount, or nature; dissimilar
Took different approaches to the problem.
Difference
A disagreement or controversy
Let's settle our differences.
Different
Distinct or separate
That's a different issue altogether.
Difference
Discrimination in taste or choice; distinction
In this case, the law should make no difference between young and old.
Different
Various or assorted
Interviewed different members of the community.
Difference
The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.
Different
Differing from all others; unusual
A different point of view.
Difference
The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.
Different
In a different way or manner; otherwise
"Carol ... didn't know different until Elinor told her" (Ben Brantley).
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Different
Not the same; exhibiting a difference.
Difference
(uncountable) The quality of being different.
You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference.
Different
Various, assorted, diverse.
Difference
(countable) A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.
There are three differences between these two pictures.
Different
Distinct, separate; used for emphasis after numbers and other determiners of quantity.
Several different scientists all reached this conclusion at about the same time.
Difference
(countable) A disagreement or argument.
We have our little differences, but we are firm friends.
Different
Unlike most others; unusual.
Difference
Significant change in or effect on a situation or state.
It just won't make much difference to me.
It just won't make much of a difference to anyone.
Different
(mathematics) The different ideal.
Difference
(countable) The result of a subtraction; sometimes the absolute value of this result.
The difference between 3 and 21 is 18.
Different
Differently.
Difference
(obsolete) Choice; preference.
Different
Distinct; separate; not the same; other.
Difference
(heraldry) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish two people's bearings which would otherwise be the same. See augmentation and cadency.
Different
Of various or contrary nature, form, or quality; partially or totally unlike; dissimilar; as, different kinds of food or drink; different states of health; different shapes; different degrees of excellence.
Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different.
Difference
(logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Different
Unlike in nature or quality or form or degree;
Took different approaches to the problem
Came to a different conclusion
Different parts of the country
On different sides of the issue
This meeting was different from the earlier one
Difference
(logic circuits) A Boolean operation which is true when the two input variables are different but is otherwise false; the XOR operation ().
Different
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Difference
(relational algebra) The set of elements that are in one set but not another ().
Different
Differing from all others; not ordinary;
Advertising that strives continually to be different
This new music is certainly different but I don't really like it
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Different
Not like; marked by dissimilarity;
For twins they are very unlike
People are profoundly different
Difference
The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?
Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.
Different
Distinct or separate;
Each interviewed different members of the community
Difference
Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
What was the difference? It was a contention in public.
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could.
Difference
That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of sovereignty.
Difference
Choice; preference.
That now he chooseth with vile differenceTo be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Difference
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.
Difference
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Difference
The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
Difference
To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest difference gods from men.
Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject.
So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons.
Difference
The quality of being unlike or dissimilar;
There are many differences between jazz and rock
Difference
A variation that deviates from the standard or norm;
The deviation from the mean
Difference
A disagreement or argument about something important;
He had a dispute with his wife
There were irreconcilable differences
The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
Difference
A significant change;
The difference in her is amazing
His support made a real difference
Difference
The number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend
Difference
A point of distinction.
The main difference is their approach.
Difference
The numerical result of subtraction.
The difference between 8 and 3 is 5.
Common Curiosities
Is "different" always negative?
No, it can have neutral, positive, or negative connotations.
Is "different" used only for physical attributes?
No, it can describe physical, personality, or other attributes.
Can "difference" refer to opinions?
Yes, it can denote disagreements or varying viewpoints.
Is "different" a comparative term?
It can be, as it often implies comparison by contrast.
Does "difference" always involve conflict?
No, it can also refer to neutral or factual distinctions.
Does "different" always mean completely unlike?
Not always, it can indicate varying degrees of dissimilarity.
Is "difference" used in scientific contexts?
Yes, particularly to denote variations or disparities.
Can "different" describe personalities?
Yes, it can describe varying personality traits.
Can "difference" be used in math?
Yes, especially in reference to the result of subtraction.
Can "difference" refer to a change?
Yes, it can indicate a change or alteration.
Is "different" subjective?
It can be, as perceptions of difference vary.
Does "difference" always require two entities?
Typically, yes, as it usually involves comparison.
Can "different" imply exclusivity?
It can, especially when highlighting distinct qualities.
Can "difference" imply improvement?
Yes, especially in the context of making a positive change.
Can "different" be used in a positive sense?
Yes, it can indicate uniqueness or diversity positively.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
