difference

[ dif-er-uhns, dif-ruhns ]
/ ˈdɪf ər əns, ˈdɪf rəns /

noun

verb (used with object), dif·fer·enced, dif·fer·enc·ing.

to cause or constitute a difference in or between; make different.
to perceive the difference in or between; discriminate.

Idioms for difference

    split the difference,
    1. to compromise, especially to make equal concessions.
    2. to divide the remainder equally: Let's take half of the cake and let the three of them split the difference.

Origin of difference

1300–50; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin differentia, equivalent to different- carrying different ways (see different) + -ia -ia; see -ence

synonym study for difference

1. Difference, discrepancy, disparity, dissimilarity imply perceivable unlikeness, variation, or diversity. Difference refers to a lack of identity or a degree of unlikeness: a difference of opinion; a difference of six inches. Discrepancy usually refers to an inconsistency between things that should agree, balance, or harmonize: a discrepancy between the statements of two witnesses. Disparity implies inequality, often where a greater equality might reasonably be expected: a great disparity between the ages of husband and wife. Dissimilarity indicates an essential lack of resemblance between things in some respect comparable: a dissimilarity between social customs in Asia and America. 6. See distinction.

Example sentences from the Web for differencing

British Dictionary definitions for differencing

difference
/ (ˈdɪfərəns, ˈdɪfrəns) /

noun

verb (tr)

rare to distinguish
heraldry to add a charge to (arms) to differentiate a branch of a family

Medical definitions for differencing

difference
[ dĭfər-əns, dĭfrəns ]

n.

The magnitude or degree by which one quantity differs from another of the same kind.

Idioms and Phrases with differencing

difference

see make a difference; split the difference. Also see under different.