differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər 

differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ 

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.

Synonyms

• contrast
• vary

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

Previously, these kinds of tags have differed depending on who was defining them and where they had been published. —Andy Robertson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Credit counseling agencies also offer programs that help manage debt, but these differ from traditional debt consolidation. —Ashley Donohoe, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025

But our work differs from historians in a crucial aspect: Scholars typically are chronicling events after the outcome is clear. —Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025

Though each lodge’s offerings differ, expect exhilarating excursions like glacier trekking, bear-viewing platforms, and salmon fishing. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025

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

Phrases Containing differ

• agree to differ
• beg to differ

Rhymes for differ

• sniffer
• stiffer

Kids Definition

differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdif-ər 

differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to be not the same : be unlike

brothers who differ in looks

2

: disagree sense 2

differ only on one issue