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difference

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difference

Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "difference" is:

  • /ˈdɪf(ə)ɹəns/

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

  • First syllable (dif):

    • **/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive (similar to the "d" in "dog")

    • **/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (shorter "i" sound like in "bit")

  • Second syllable (ə) (optional):

    • **/ə/ (schwa) - mid central vowel (a very short, neutral vowel sound) - This sound can be omitted in some pronunciations.

  • Third syllable (rens):

    • **/ɹ/ - voiced alveolar approximant (similar to the "r" sound in American English)

    • **/ə/ - mid central vowel (a very short, neutral vowel sound)

    • **/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal (similar to the "n" in "nap")

    • **/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative (similar to the "s" sound in "sip")

Word Form Variations

The main word form variation for "difference" is the singular and plural form:

  • Singular: difference (most common)

  • Plural: differences

"Difference" can also be a verb, though it's less common. Here are the verb conjugations:

  • Present: differ (third-person singular: differs)

  • Past: differed

  • Past participle: differenced

  • Present participle: differing

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

1. Noun:

  • Definition:

    • a) The state or quality of being unlike or dissimilar in some way. (This is the most common definition)

      • Example: There's a big difference between a cat and a dog.

    • b) The amount or degree by which things are unlike.

      • Example: The price difference between the two phones was only $20.

  • Synonyms: disparity, variation, discrepancy, divergence, contrast, distinction, dissimilitude

  • Antonyms: similarity, resemblance, homogeneity, equivalence

2. Verb (Less Common):

  • Definition:

    • a) To be unlike or dissimilar.

      • Example: Their opinions on the movie differed greatly.

    • b) To cause something to be unlike or dissimilar. (archaic)

      • Example: (This usage is uncommon in modern English) The new hairstyle differenced her from her old look.

  • Synonyms (Verb): diverge, deviate, vary, disagree

  • Antonyms (Verb): coincide, agree, conform

Examples of Use

1. Books:

  • "Elizabeth Bennet was struck by the difference between Mr. Darcy's aloofness and Mr. Bingley's friendly demeanour." (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen)

2. Newspapers:

  • "The study found a significant difference in life expectancy between people living in urban and rural areas." (The New York Times)

3. Online Publications:

  • "Here's a quick guide to the key differences between these two popular fitness trackers." (CNET)

4. Entertainment Mediums:

  • Movie Dialogue: "What's the difference between a hero and a villain? One good day." (The Dark Knight)

  • Song Lyrics: "Can't you see there's a fundamental difference between us?" (Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen)

5. General Public Discourse:

  • "There's not much of a difference in taste between these two brands of coffee."

  • "Let's settle our differences and work together to find a solution."

  • "I can't tell the difference between these two paintings; are you sure they're not copies?" (This example shows using "difference" to identify a lack of distinction)

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Difference

  1. "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." - Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)

  2. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela (South African revolutionary)

  3. "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (American philosopher)

  4. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein (German-born theoretical physicist)

  5. "The difference between successful people and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." - Vince Lombardi (American football coach)

  6. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs (American entrepreneur)

  7. "The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who's going to stop me." - Ayn Rand (Russian-American novelist)

  8. "The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (Spiritual teacher)

  9. “The difference between an opinion and a conviction is the conviction is backed by a feeling so strong or a belief so deep that it changes the physical posture, the facial expression, and the pitch of the voice.” - Mary Oliver (American poet)

  10. “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” - Socrates (Greek philosopher)

Etymology

The word "difference" comes from a long journey through languages! It all starts with the Latin word "ferre," which means "to carry." Imagine carrying something away from something else.

Then, the Romans added "dis-" to "ferre," which means "apart." So, "differre" became "to carry apart" or "to set apart." This idea of being separate is key to the meaning of difference.

Next, the Latin language created the word "differentia" from "differre." This word meant "difference" or "diversity." It's like saying "the state of being carried apart."

Finally, in the 1500s, English borrowed "difference" from Old French, which had gotten it from Latin. Here, it kept its meaning of "the state or quality of being unlike or dissimilar."

So, "difference" literally carries the idea of things being set apart or being unlike each other!

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Difference

  • Phrases:

    • Make a difference: To have a positive impact or influence.

    • Split the difference: To compromise and settle on something in the middle.

    • No difference at all: There's no distinction or variation between things.

    • Point of difference: A unique quality or characteristic that sets something apart.

    • Out of the difference: To pay for something with the change received from a larger transaction.

    Idioms:

    • A world of difference: A very significant difference.

    • Chalk and cheese: Completely different and incompatible (similar to "apples and oranges").

    • Day and night: A vast difference, often referring to something positive versus negative.

    • See eye to eye: To agree completely. (This one uses "eye" instead of "difference," but implies a lack of difference in opinion)

    • Splitting hairs: Focusing on minor, insignificant differences.

    • A whole new ball game: A completely different situation, often more challenging.

Posts Related to Difference

Source Information

Definition of difference from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.