¹different

adjective dif·fer·ent \ˈdi-fərnt, ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt\

: not of the same kind : partly or totally unlike

: not the same

: not ordinary or common

Full Definition of DIFFERENT

: partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : dissimilar <could hardly be more different> —often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to <small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery characters — R. L. Stevenson> <vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago — N. M. Pusey> <a very different situation to the … one under which we live — Sir Winston Churchill>

: not the same: as

a : distinct <different age groups>

b : various <different members of the class>

c : another <switched to a different TV program>

: unusual, special <she was different and superior>

— dif·fer·ent·ness noun

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Usage Discussion of DIFFERENT

Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.

Origin of DIFFERENT

Middle English, from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre (see differ)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DIFFERENT

Synonyms: disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike

Antonyms: alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel, same, similar

Synonym Discussion of DIFFERENT

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character. different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness <different foods>. diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast <such diverse interests as dancing and football>. divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation <went on to pursue divergent careers>. disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility <disparate notions of freedom>. various stresses the number of sorts or kinds <tried various methods>.Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.