differently
differently
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "differently" is /ˈdɪfərəntli/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
dif-: /dɪf/ (d-ih-f)
fer-: /ər/ (uh-r) - This is often a reduced vowel sound, almost like a schwa.
ent-: /ənt/ (uh-nt)
ly: /li/ (l-ee)
Word Form Variations
Adverb: differently (This is the primary form.)
Adjective: different
Noun: difference, differences (plural)
Verb: differ, differs (third person singular present), differed (past tense), differing (present participle)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
differently
In a distinct or unalike manner; in a way that is not the same as something else.
Synonyms: uniquely, unusually, divergently, contrastingly, otherwise
Antonyms: similarly, identically, uniformly, equally, conformably
From a separate or alternative perspective; considering or approaching a situation with a changed viewpoint.
Synonyms: anew, afresh, uniquely, originally, alternatively
Antonyms: conventionally, traditionally, typically, commonly, ordinarily
Examples of Use
Books: "Perhaps it was because he was born and brought up in India, and understood things differently from the English." (Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901)
Newspapers: "The government needs to approach the climate crisis differently this time, focusing on sustainable long-term solutions." (The Guardian)
Online Publications: "How to build a personal brand that allows you to think differently and express your authentic self." (Forbes.com)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): "Maybe if we tried looking at the evidence differently, we'd find the killer." (From a crime drama screenplay)
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series): "I just feel like you're treating me differently since I got that promotion." (From a dialogue in a popular sitcom)
General Public Discourse: "My grandmother always said you should live your life differently than your parents did, striving for something new."
10 Quotes Using Differently
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting differently." (Often attributed to Albert Einstein, though its exact origin is debated)
"If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old differently." (Peter F. Drucker)
"I believe in life, you do get differently treated for being a woman." (Maya Angelou)
"We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. We have to think differently." (Attributed to Albert Einstein)
"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. It will see differently." (Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.)
"Think differently, be differently." (Steve Jobs, often paraphrased from his "Think Different" campaign)
"If you think differently, you will be seen differently." (Unknown)
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. We must do things differently." (Often attributed to Seneca the Younger, though the wording varies)
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel differently." (Paraphrasing Maya Angelou's famous quote about how people remember feelings)
"The challenge is to see the world differently." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "differently" comes from the word "different," which itself comes from the Latin word "differens."
Let's break it down:
"Differens" in Latin meant "carrying apart," "distinguishing," or "being unlike." It's the present participle of the verb "differre," meaning "to carry apart," "to separate," or "to be different."
"Differre" is made up of two parts: "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "away") and "ferre" (meaning "to carry" or "to bear"). So, literally, it means "to carry apart." When things are carried apart, they become separate and distinct from each other.
Over time, this idea of being separate or not the same evolved into the English word "different."
Then, to make "different" into an adverb (a word that describes how something is done), we simply add the suffix "-ly."
The first known use of "different" in English, with a meaning similar to what we understand today ("not of the same kind; distinct; separate"), dates back to the late 14th century. The word "differently" followed, first appearing in the 15th century, with the meaning "in a different manner or way." So, from the very beginning, "differently" has meant doing something in a way that is not the same as another.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Differently
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "differently" or synonyms for similar effect:
See things differently: To have a different perspective or opinion on a situation.
Think differently: To approach a problem or idea in an unconventional or original way.
Do things differently: To change one's usual method or approach to something.
Treat someone differently: To behave towards someone in a way that is not the same as how others are treated.
Look at it differently: To re-evaluate a situation from another angle.
Speak differently: To change one's manner of speech or dialect.
It's a different kettle of fish: (Idiom, using "different") Something entirely separate or distinct from what was previously discussed.
A different breed: (Phrase, using "different") Someone or something that is uniquely distinct or of a different type.
A horse of a different color: (Idiom, using "different") A matter that is entirely separate or different from the one previously being discussed.
Sing a different tune: (Idiom, using "different" in effect) To change one's opinion or attitude, often to one that contradicts a previous stance.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of differently from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
