ENGLISH
REFERENCE

differ

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdɪfɝ// UK //dˈɪfɐ// dif·fer General-service

v. to be different from something else in some way. You use this when comparing two things that are not the same.

v. to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality. Often used to express a contrast between two or more entities or to indicate a disagreement in opinion.


SIMPLE

The two brothers differ in their taste in music.

CONTEXTUAL

The results of the second experiment differ significantly from the first one due to the change in temperature.

COMPLEX

While the core mechanics of the two software packages are identical, they differ primarily in how they handle user data and cloud synchronization.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English differren, from Old French differer, from Latin differō (“carry apart, put off, defer; differ”), from dis- (“apart”) + ferō (“carry, bear”). Compare Ancient Greek διαφέρω (diaphérō). Doublet of defer and dilate, see also infer, confer and collate, refer and relate, as well as prefer and prelate among others.

Etymology 2

From diff + -er.

Usage

The verb is intransitive and is commonly followed by the prepositions 'from' (to show contrast) or 'in' (to specify the area of difference).

Pitfall

The new model is differ from the old oneThe new model differs from the old oneLearners sometimes use 'differ' as an adjective instead of a verb; use 'differs' or 'is different'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference