Word
differently
Phoneticsdif·fer·ent·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɪfɝˈɛntɫi/
UK/dˈɪfɹəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not the same. You use this when you want to show that two things are done in various ways or that someone has changed their mind.
adv. in a manner that is distinct or dissimilar from another. Often used to indicate a contrast in behavior, thought, or method.
Examples
“I think about this problem differently now.”
“The two sisters dress very differently even though they share most of their clothes.”
“If we approach the negotiation differently this time, focusing on shared goals rather than individual demands, we might finally reach a compromise that satisfies both parties.”
Examples
simple
“I think about this problem differently now.”
contextual
“The two sisters dress very differently even though they share most of their clothes.”
complex
“If we approach the negotiation differently this time, focusing on shared goals rather than individual demands, we might finally reach a compromise that satisfies both parties.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “differently” in context.
Usage
Typically placed after the verb or the direct object.
Pitfall
She speaks different than me
She speaks differently than me
Learners often use the adjective 'different' when the adverb 'differently' is required to modify a verb.
Etymology
From Middle English differently; equivalent to different + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/differently