difference
Looking for the meaning of difference? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The quality of being different.
“You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference.”
A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.
“There are three differences between these two pictures.”
A disagreement or argument.
“We have our little differences, but we are firm friends.”
Significant change in or effect on a situation or state.
“It just won't make much difference to me.”
The result of a subtraction; sometimes the absolute value of this result.
“The difference between 3 and 21 is 18.”
Choice; preference.
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish two people's bearings which would otherwise be the same. See augmentation and cadency.
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
(logic circuits) A Boolean operation which is TRUE when the two input variables are different but is otherwise FALSE; the XOR operation (\scriptstyle A \overline B + \overline A B).
(relational algebra) the set of elements that are in one set but not another (\scriptstyle A \overline B).
To distinguish or differentiate.
Understanding "difference"
The word **"difference"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈdɪfəɹən(t)s/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"difference"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "difference" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "difference" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "difference" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈdɪfəɹən(t)s/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "difference" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "difference" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "difference" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "difference". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈdɪfəɹən(t)s/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "difference" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use difference in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "difference" can be used in academic and casual conversations.