Differ — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈdi-fər/ dif·fer

Meaning & Definition of Differ

Differ (verb)

  1. to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
  2. to change from time to time or from one instance to another, vary
  3. to be of unlike or opposite opinion, disagree

Differ (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be unlike; to not be the same

    "my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money"

    similar: contrast, vary
    related: deviate, diverge, divide, fluctuate, separate
    opposite: compare, match
    near: accord, agree, conform, correspond

  2. to have a different opinion

    "after much arguing, we simply have agreed to differ about the issue"

    similar: disagree, dissent, nonconcur, take issue
    related: clash, collide, conflict, contrast, counter, debate, object, oppose, protest, resist, contest, dispute, argue, bicker, fall out, quarrel
    opposite: agree, assent, concur
    near: accede, accept, acquiesce, comply, consent, defer, subscribe, affiliate, ally, associate, collaborate, collude, come round, compromise, cooperate, get along, side

Related Entry: Differ (from) (verb)

Differ (from) is a different word from Differ. The synonyms below are for differ (from), not for differ.

  1. as in disagree (with)

    similar: disagree (with), contradict, dispute, gainsay, negate, nullify, clash, conflict, jar
    opposite: accord, agree, answer, check, chord, cohere, coincide, comport, conform, consist, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, rhyme, sort, square, tally, equal, match, parallel, align, line up, register

Related Entry: Differ (over) (verb)

Differ (over) is a different word from Differ. The synonyms below are for differ (over), not for differ.

  1. as in disagree (with)

    similar: disagree (with), abort, call, call off, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke, counter, debate, object, oppose, protest, resist, contest, dispute
    opposite: agree (on), arrange, decide, fix, set, settle, contract, pledge, promise, blueprint, calculate, chart, concert, design, draft, frame, hammer out, intrigue, lay out, maneuver, map (out), plan, program, schematize, scheme, shape, square away, work out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Differ

The most common words with a similar meaning to Differ:

contrast, vary, disagree, dissent, nonconcur, take issue

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Differ

Words with the opposite meaning of Differ:

compare, match, agree, assent, concur

Related Words for Differ

deviate, diverge, divide, fluctuate, separate, clash, collide, conflict, counter, debate, object, oppose, protest, resist, contest, dispute, argue, bicker, fall out, quarrel

Near Antonyms of Differ

accord, conform, correspond, accede, accept, acquiesce, comply, consent, defer, subscribe, affiliate, ally, associate, collaborate, collude, come round, compromise, cooperate, get along, side

Word Forms of Differ

Inflections: differed, differing

Origin & Etymology of Differ

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"

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Differ

Words & Phrases Containing Differ

beg to differ

Frequently Asked Questions about Differ

What does "Differ" mean?

"Differ" means to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics. As a verb, it is defined as: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Differ"?

Other words for "Differ" include contrast, vary, disagree, dissent, nonconcur and take issue. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Differ" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Differ"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Differ". Common alternatives include contrast, vary, disagree, dissent, nonconcur and take issue.

What is the opposite of "Differ"?

Antonyms of "Differ" include compare, match, agree, assent and concur. Near antonyms include accord, conform, correspond and accede.

How do you use "Differ" in a sentence?

Examples of "Differ" in a sentence: "my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money"; "after much arguing, we simply have agreed to differ about the issue".

Is "Differ" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Differ" is a verb.

Is "Differ" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Differ" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Differ"?

"Differ" is pronounced /ˈdi-fər/ and divided into syllables as dif·fer.