A2adverb2K

Differently

UK /["/ˈdɪfrəntli/"]/US /["/ˈdɪfrəntli/"]/

Definition

in a different way from somebody/something

In simple words: In a way that is not the same.

Examples

  • Boys and girls may behave differently.
  • He didn't like being **treated differently**.
  • What will you **do differently** next time?
  • Eddie comes from an older generation that **thought differently** than we do.
  • The male bird has a differently shaped head.

Usage notes

Use 'differently' when comparing how two or more things vary. It's appropriate in both written and spoken English, but avoid it in overly formal contexts where precision is crucial.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'differently' as 'differ' + 'ly', and picture two people acting in distinct ways.

Collocations

  • think differently
  • behave differently
  • do things differently

Synonyms

  • distinctly
  • unlike
  • diversely
  • variably

Antonyms

  • similarly
  • alike

Common mistakes

  • Omitting the '-ly' ending when using the word.
  • Confusing with 'different', which is an adjective.
  • Using it in a way that does not compare two things.