English Reference
Adverb

differently

adv. manner
A2 Elementary Oxford US /ˈdɪfɝˈɛntɫi/ UK /dˈɪfɹəntli/ dif·fer·ent·ly

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.


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.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or the direct object.

Pitfall
She speaks different than meShe speaks differently than me

Learners often use the adjective 'different' when the adverb 'differently' is required to modify a verb.

Usage differently affect · differently define · differently express


From Middle English differently; equivalent to different + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English differently
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated