differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)
Synonyms of differnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
the law of one state differs from that of another
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
the number of cookies in a box may differ
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
they differ on religious matters
I beg to differ with your interpretation.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of differ in a Sentence

The two schools differ in their approach to discipline. my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This puzzle is from a separate experiment and the design differs from the puzzle used in a PLOS Biology paper published November 14, 2024. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024 The wording differed slightly, but the message was essentially the same. —Nbc Los Angeles, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 But since plants can carry gnats in all phases of their lives, at once, the method of treating gnat infestations will differ depending on the stages of development. —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024 This year’s measure differs from those in the past. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for differ 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English differren, differen, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French differer "to be different," borrowed (with conjugational change) from Latin differre "to carry away in varying directions, spread abroad, postpone, delay, be unlike or distinct," from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + ferre "to carry, convey"

Note: The meanings of Latin differre, in particular the sense "to be unlike or distinct," copy those of Greek diaphérein, formed with the cognate verb phérein "to carry." English differ is not distinct etymologically from defer entry 1; the two were originally variants with stress on either the first or last syllable, with the meanings "delay" and "be unlike" eventually being restricted to one of the two variants.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of differ was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing differ

Dictionary Entries Near differ

diffarreation

differ

difference

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

differ

verb
dif·​fer ˈdif-ər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue

More from Merriam-Webster on differ

Nglish: Translation of differ for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of differ for Arabic Speakers

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