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

He said that because there were no agreed-upon standards for deciding when a defective ballot could be counted, the result would differ county by county.

From Los Angeles Times

“As artists, we are exposed to public opinion, and to the individual interpretations of people who like us and people who differ with what we do,” the “Provenza” singer wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Depictions of the U.K. capital wildly differ in the Ronan double bill.

From Los Angeles Times

Some aspects of their experiences differ, others are disturbingly similar.

From BBC

TheSeniorList, a website resource for older people, has a regularly updated list of restaurants that offer discounts and freebies, but perks may differ from location to location so call before you go.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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