DIFFERENCE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Difference

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/dˈɪfərəns/ /dˈɪfrəns/ Listen

noun

Difference n.

1.

The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty? "Differencies of administration, but the same Lord."

2.

Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy. "What was the difference? It was a contention in public." "Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could."

3.

That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute. "The marks and differences of sovereignty."

4.

Choice; preference. (Obs.) "That now he chooseth with vile difference To be a beast, and lack intelligence."

5.

(Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.

6.

(Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.

7.

(Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.

Ascensional difference. See under Ascensional.

Synonyms: Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife.

verb

Difference v. t. (past & past part. differenced; pres. part. differencing) To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish. "Thou mayest difference gods from men." "Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject." "So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons."

See images of 'Difference'

Etymology of 'Difference'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Difference" Quotes from Famous Books

... grounds plus a goodly injection of checkerberry—for the simple reason that the Cook had to supply our captors and especially Apollyon with real coffee, whereas what he supplied to les hommes made no difference. The same is true of sugar: our morning coffee, in addition to being a water-thin, black, muddy, stinking liquid, contained not the smallest suggestion of sweetness, whereas the coffee which went to the officials—and the coffee which B. ...

— The Enormous Room • Edward Estlin Cummings

... one starts on a scout at daybreak to that when one lies down at night one's senses are on the stretch. Besides, we are fighting in defense of our country and not merely as a profession, though I don't suppose, after all, that makes much difference when one is once in for it. As far as I have read all soldiers enjoy campaigning, and it does not seem to make any difference to them who are the foe or what they are fighting about. But I ...

— With Lee in Virginia - A Story of the American Civil War • G. A. Henty

... director of the legislature, formed a minority in the government. Carnot, very austere in his conduct and very obstinate in his views, could not agree either with Barras or with the imperious Rewbell. To this opposition of character was then added difference of system. Barras and Rewbell, supported by La Reveillere, were not at all averse to a coup-d'etat against the councils, while Carnot wished strictly to follow the law. This great citizen, at each epoch of the revolution, had perfectly seen the mode of government which suited ...

— History of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1814 • F. A. M. Mignet

... He suggested that possibly if I asked—But I see for myself how that wouldn't make the slightest difference." ...

— Red Pepper Burns • Grace S. Richmond

... with the panting, excited rescuer. All comprehended at once what had been attempted and how prevented. The mill owner laid an iron grip upon the half-wit's shoulder, who made no effort to escape; for at last, at last, there had penetrated to his dim intelligence the wide, the awful difference between good and evil. When he saw the once crippled lad, whom his own hands had restored to health, thus fling away his life with unstinted hand, that he might save the life of another,—once his enemy also,—there had roused within the dormant brain of the foundling a sudden perception ...

— Reels and Spindles - A Story of Mill Life • Evelyn Raymond

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