A1noun 1K

Difference

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈdɪfrəns/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈdɪfrəns/"]/

Meaning of Difference

the way in which two people or things are not like each other; the way in which somebody/something has changed

In simple words: What makes two things not the same.

Difference in a sentence

• There is a big difference between night and day.
• The difference in prices made me choose the cheaper option.
• Can you explain the difference between these two words?
• The most important difference in the new model is its improved battery life.
• Understanding the difference in cultures can help us communicate better.

How to use Difference

Use 'difference' to highlight variations between items. It is suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it when discussing similarities.

Grammar pattern

difference + between + two things

Memory hint

Think of 'differ'ance' — it shows how things differ.

Related words

Collocations with Difference

• big
• broad
• considerable
• make
• mean
• emphasize
• be
• lie
• arise (from something)
• difference among
• difference between
• difference from
• a… with a difference
• all the difference in the world
• a great deal of difference
• pay
• make up
• pocket
• irreconcilable
• major
• serious
• have
• make up
• patch up
• arise
• emerge
• occur
• difference as to
• difference over
• a difference of opinion
• have your differences

Synonyms for Difference

• disparity
• distinction
• variation
• contrast
• divergence

Opposites of Difference

• similarity
• likeness

Common mistakes with Difference

• Confusing 'difference' with 'different' as they have different uses.
• Using 'difference' without specifying the objects in question.
• Incorrectly pluralizing as 'differences' when referring to one.

Frequently asked questions about Difference

What does Difference mean?

What makes two things not the same.

What is the definition of Difference?

the way in which two people or things are not like each other; the way in which somebody/something has changed

How do you use Difference in a sentence?

There is a big difference between night and day.

Can you give another example of Difference?

The difference in prices made me choose the cheaper option.

What are synonyms for Difference?

Common alternatives include disparity, distinction, variation, contrast, divergence.

What is the opposite of Difference?

Opposite meanings include similarity, likeness.

What words go with Difference?

It commonly pairs with big, broad, considerable, make, mean, emphasize, be, lie, arise (from something), difference among, difference between, difference from, a… with a difference, all the difference in the world, a great deal of difference, pay, make up, pocket, irreconcilable, major, serious, have, make up, patch up, arise, emerge, occur, difference as to, difference over, a difference of opinion, have your differences.

What are common mistakes when using Difference?

Confusing 'difference' with 'different' as they have different uses. Using 'difference' without specifying the objects in question. Incorrectly pluralizing as 'differences' when referring to one.

How do you pronounce Difference?

US: /["/ˈdɪfrəns/"]/, UK: /["/ˈdɪfrəns/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Difference?

Use 'difference' to highlight variations between items. It is suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it when discussing similarities.

What CEFR level is Difference?

"Difference" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.