differ

verb

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

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.

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 The two companies will differ vastly as permanent local employers. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 22 Mar. 2024 The Roberts trustees and Buckner differ over the reasons why the gate was installed. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Candidates differ on partisan influences in nonpartisan races When county supervisors appear on ballots, there is no party designation after their names. Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 While proper fit is foremost, every kid’s needs will differ. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 The rates differ based on products, with workers getting three percent on ancillary products and nothing on the sale of Birkin bags. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 The treatments from your medical provider will differ depending on your blood pressure and accompanying symptoms, if any. High blood pressure can damage multiple organs in the body. Katia Hetter, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 No matter how traditional recipes differ, combining lentils and rice always results in a dish that’s thrifty, hearty and infinitely adaptable, inspiring as many appealing variations as there are inventive cooks. Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Here’s where Lansing and Detroit differ: Lansing posts disclosures online, at no cost to residents. Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'differ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near differ

Cite this Entry

“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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