differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
the law of one state differs from that of another
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
the number of cookies in a box may differ
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
they differ on religious matters
I beg to differ with your interpretation.

Examples of differ in a Sentence

The two schools differ in their approach to discipline. my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ranking of which project rises highest doesn’t differ from one list to the next. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Dan Crenshaw And Tucker Carlson's Relationship Explained The feud between Crenshaw and Carlson dates back several years and is rooted in their differing approaches to conservative politics. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 Despite the differing statements, both vowed to do everything within their power to push the middling Colts to the next level. James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 While there are differing accounts of how the singers met, they were reportedly introduced sometime in the late '80s to early '90s. Nicole Briese, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for differ

Word History

Etymology

Middle English differren, differen, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French differer "to be different," borrowed (with conjugational change) from Latin differre "to carry away in varying directions, spread abroad, postpone, delay, be unlike or distinct," from dif-, assimilated form of dis- dis- + ferre "to carry, convey"

Note: The meanings of Latin differre, in particular the sense "to be unlike or distinct," copy those of Greek diaphérein, formed with the cognate verb phérein "to carry." English differ is not distinct etymologically from defer entry 1; the two were originally variants with stress on either the first or last syllable, with the meanings "delay" and "be unlike" eventually being restricted to one of the two variants.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of differ was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

differ

verb
dif·​fer ˈdif-ər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue

More from Merriam-Webster on differ

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