# world of difference

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/world-of-difference
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A great or insurmountable difference.

## Examples

- A new coat makes a world of difference.
- Adding a few plants to the office makes a world of difference in how the room feels.
- The subtle change in leadership made a world of difference, transforming the struggling department into a highly efficient and motivated team within just a few months.

## Origin

First attested in the early 17th century, the phrase is a compound of the noun world and the noun difference. It has remained a standard English idiom for over four hundred years.

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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.