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

Generally, the style of leadership that your service veterans are used to may differ from your own. —Scott Graybeal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

This differs from states like Georgia and international territories like Canada, where there is no cap on the incentives, effectively guaranteeing the tax credit to all qualified projects. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 May 2025

The 2019 Pew survey, for instance, found that over 40 percent of Americans don’t trust others to cast informed votes in elections or to have civil conversations with those who have differing opinions. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 May 2025

The season also dove into more mature relationship themes, such as the difficult breakup between longtime couple Dani Bowman and Adan Correa, whose differing views on physical intimacy ultimately led them to part ways. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 May 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