different

1 of 2

adjective

dif·​fer·​ent ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt 

ˈdi-fərnt

1

: partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : dissimilar

could hardly be more different

—often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to

small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery characters

—R. L. Stevenson

vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago

—N. M. Pusey

a very different situation to the … one under which we live

—Sir Winston Churchill

2

: not the same: such as

a

: distinct

different age groups

b

: various

different members of the class

c

: another

switched to a different TV program

3

: unusual, special

she was different and superior

differentness noun

Is it different than or different from?: Usage Guide

Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.

different

2 of 2

adverb

: differently

Synonyms

Adjective

• disparate
• dissimilar
• distant
• distinct
• distinctive
• distinguishable
• diverse
• nonidentical
• other
• unalike
• unlike

Choose the Right Synonym for different

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of different in a Sentence

Adjective

The two brothers could not have been more different.

We need to try an entirely different approach.

They met with each other on several different occasions.

advertising that tries to be different

That movie certainly was different.

He has a very different style of dressing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The need for innovative and comprehensive solutions that alleviate the stress around planning, packing, labeling, traveling, and settling is evident, especially with the average American moving 11.7 times in a lifetime – every instance posing different challenges. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

There’s something dignified in that we can be seen in these different ways. —Essence, 16 Dec. 2024

The 2025 class will pursue their studies at 13 different institutions across the UK, ranging from Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The first lady was joined by children whose parents served in different branches of the military. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ"

Adverb

derivative of different entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1588, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing different

• a horse of a different color
• different animal
• different beast
• different drummer
• heard a different drummer
• in a different league
• in a different light
• know different/otherwise
• march to the beat of a different drummer
• put a new/different complexion on
• sing a different tune
• singing a different song
• tell a different story

Kids Definition

different

adjective

dif·​fer·​ent

ˈdif-ərnt,

ˈdif-(ə-)rənt

1

: not of the same kind : partly or totally unlike another

this apple is different from the others in size and color

2

: not the same : other, separate

see the same person at different times

differently adverb