difference
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdɪfərəns/
KK: /ˈdɪfərəns/
noun
Definition
The way in which two or more things are not the same; a distinction or variation between them.
Example
The difference between the two paintings is very clear.
Conversation
Have you noticed the big difference in the weather lately?
Yeah, it's been so much warmer than last month.
I think the change is making a difference in how people feel, too.
Absolutely! Everyone seems a lot happier with the sunshine.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
distinction
variation
discrepancy
Antonyms
similarity
uniformity
sameness
transitive verb
Definition
To recognize or point out what makes something different from another.
Example
You can difference between the two colors by their brightness.
Tense Forms
Past: differenced
Past Participle: differenced
Conversation
I can never tell the difference between those two brands.
Yeah, they look so similar at first glance.
Exactly! It's hard to difference them when shopping.
Root Explanation
Difference → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "ferre" (meaning to carry). The word describes the act of carrying things apart or distinguishing between them.
Memory Tip
Think of things being 'carried apart' — 'dis-' means apart, and 'ferre' means to carry. This helps you remember that difference refers to what sets things apart.
Visually Confused Words
indifference
undifferenced
inference
deference
unindifference
semidifference
indifferency
divergence