# beg to differ

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/beg-to-differ
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To offer an opposing opinion humbly.

## Examples

- I beg to differ with your opinion on that movie.
- While my boss thinks the new project is perfect, I beg to differ and suggest a few changes.
- Although the committee reached a consensus, the lead researcher felt compelled to beg to differ, citing several flaws in their methodology.

## Origin

From beg, in the sense of pleading with another for help or indulgence, combined with the infinitive to differ. The construction functions as a formal request for permission to hold an opposing view, framing a disagreement as a social petition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.