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

These paired stars usually differ in size, with one star often being more massive than the other.

From Science Daily

Additionally, the researchers also looked into how the biological effects of war differ between boys and girls.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

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