differ

[ dif-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be unlike, dissimilar, or distinct in nature or qualities (often followed 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 followed by with or from ):

   His business partner always differs with him.

3. Obsolete. to dispute; quarrel.

differ

/ ˈdɪfə /

verb

1. often foll by from to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)
2. often foll byfrom or with to be at variance (with); disagree (with)
3. dialect.
   to quarrel or dispute
4. agree to differ
   to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion

Other Words From

• un·differ·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of differ¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English differren “to distinguish,” from Middle French differer “to put off, distinguish,” Latin differre “to bear apart, scatter, be different,” from dif- dif- + ferre “to bear, bring, carry”

Word History and Origins

Origin of differ¹

C14: from Latin differre, literally: to bear off in different directions, hence scatter, put off, be different, from dis- apart + ferre to bear

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

Even though the plant's DNA is consistent across these tissues, the expression of genes differs.

From Science Daily

The US "non-persistent" mines differ from Russia's as they become inert after a pre-set period of time - anywhere from four hours to two weeks.

From BBC

The researchers also found that the gene expression in these newly formed stem cells actually differs from their precursor cells.

From Science Daily

Speaking decades after writing the song, the pair differed over what it was about.

From BBC

The practical consequences of each measure can differ from state to state.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alter
• conflict with
• contradict
• contrast
• disagree
• diverge
• modify
• vary