differ

/ˈdɪfər/

/ˈdɪfə/

Other forms: differs; differed; differing

To differ is to be different, or to vary. Your list of favorite movies might differ from your sister's, especially if you like romantic comedies and she likes action films.

Gas prices differ from state to state, and sometimes even from one side of the street to the other. Opinions on politics can often differ within a single family, and sometimes food preferences differ so much that no one can decide where to eat lunch. The verb differ can mean simply "be unlike," but it can also mean "clash" or "dissent." The Latin root, differre, combines dis, "away from," with ferre, "carry."

Definitions of differ

1. verb

   be different
   “These two tests differ in only one respect”

   antonyms:

   equal

   be identical or equivalent to

   types:

   depart, deviate, diverge, vary

   be at variance with; be out of line with

   vary

   be subject to change in accordance with a variable

   contrast, counterpoint

   show differences when compared; be different

   aberrate

   diverge or deviate from the straight path; produce aberration

   aberrate

   diverge from the expected

   co-vary

   vary in the same time period (of two random variables)

   drift

   vary or move from a fixed point or course

   belie, contradict, negate

   be in contradiction with

   counterbalance, oppose

   contrast with equal weight or force

   conflict

   be in conflict

   foil

   enhance by contrast
2. verb

   be of different opinions
   “I beg to differ!”

   synonyms: disagree, dissent, take issue

   types:

   dissent

   withhold assent

   clash

   disagree violently

   contradict, contravene, negate

   deny the truth of

   deadlock

   fail or cause to fail to progress because of disagreement between opposing sides

   deny

   declare untrue; contradict