English Dictionary

Definition of “differ

differ (ˈdɪfəPronunciation for differ

Definitions

verb (intr)

  1. (often foll by from) to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from)
  2.  often foll by from or with to be at variance (with); disagree (with)
  3. dialect to quarrel or dispute
  4. See agree to differ

Word Origin

C14: from Latin differre,  literally: to bear off in different directions, hence scatter, put off, be different, from dis-  apart + ferre to bear

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= be dissimilar contradict, contrast with vary, counter, belie, depart from diverge, negate, fly in the face of, run counter to, be distinct stand apart, make a nonsense of be at variance with
= be different vary, diverge, be distinguishable be dissimilar not be alike

Usage examples

  • The enemy's reasons might differ from those of his so-called friends, but on both sides the basic motive was presumably fear.
    Harcourt, Palma, Double Deceit (1990)
  • They may have privacy terms that differ from the Maxim Online Privacy Policy.
    Maxim (2005)
  • The two groups differ on the licensing of intellectual property.
    Globe and Mail (2004)
  • Mario Monti, the EU competition commissioner, begged to differ.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)

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