ENGLISH
REFERENCE

differs

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈdɪfɝz// UK //dˈɪfəz// dif·fers

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

v. to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or quality. Intransitive — requires a prepositional phrase to specify the point of comparison.


SIMPLE

The new model differs from the old one in size.

CONTEXTUAL

The climate in the north differs significantly from the tropical weather found in the southern regions.

COMPLEX

While the two political theories share a common origin, they differ fundamentally in their approach to individual property rights and state intervention.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'from'.

Pitfall

This differs to thatThis differs from thatWhile 'different to' is common in British English, the verb 'differ' almost exclusively takes 'from' in standard usage.

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