difference
n. C / Un. the way that two or more things are not the same. You use this word to talk about what makes one person or object unique compared to another.
n. the state or condition of being dissimilar or distinct. Often used to quantify the degree of divergence between two variables or entities.
There is a big difference between these two cars.
The main difference between the two software versions is the speed of the search function.
While the two political candidates agree on the ultimate goal, there is a fundamental difference in their proposed methods for achieving economic stability.
From Middle English difference, from Old French difference, from Latin differentia (“difference”), from differēns (“different”), present participle of differre. Doublet of differentia. Morphologically differ + -ence.
Countable when referring to specific points of dissimilarity; uncountable when referring to the general quality of being different. Often takes the preposition 'between'.
the difference of the twothe difference between the twoWhen comparing two distinct things, 'between' is the standard preposition used with this noun.
- 01
make a difference
To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.
- 02
make all the difference
To be a crucial or deciding factor; to have a very significant effect (often a positive one).
- 03
same difference
A distinction which makes no difference; a distinction which does not matter.