Different
UK /["/ˈdɪfrənt/"]/US /["/ˈdɪfrənt/"]/
Definition
not the same as somebody/something; not like somebody/something else
In simple words: not the same as someone or something else
Examples
- She has a different perspective on the issue than I do.
- Each student presents a different idea during the discussion.
- The weather today is very different from yesterday.
- They come from different countries around the world.
- It's important to embrace different cultures and traditions.
Usage notes
Used to describe things that are not alike. Appropriate in most contexts, but more formal settings may require clearer specifications of differences.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of 'differ' as in 'to vary' – imagine two apples: one red and one green.
Collocations
- appear
- be
- feel
- very
- far
- clearly
- from
- to
- than
- appear
- be
- feel
- very
- far
- clearly
- from
- to
- than
Synonyms
- distinct
- varied
- divergent
- unlike
- dissimilar
Antonyms
- similar
- alike
- same
Common mistakes
- Using 'different than' instead of 'different from'.
- Confusing 'different' with 'difficult'.
- 'Different' used without a noun when it needs context.