Different — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt/ dif·fer·ent

Meaning & Definition of Different

Different (adjective)

  1. partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality, dissimilar —often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to
  2. not the same
  3. distinct

Different (adverb)

  1. differently

Different (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being not of the same kind

    "how are plantains different from bananas?"

    similar: disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike
    related: divers, miscellaneous, mixed, several, sundry, variant, varied, various, differentiable, discriminable, alternate, alternative, individual, particular, peculiar, single, disproportionate, divergent, unequal
    opposite: alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel, same, similar
    near: equal, selfsame, equivalent, tantamount, akin, analogous, comparable, homological, homologous, related, homogeneous, homogenous, uniform

  2. not the same or shared

    "my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel"

    similar: individual, respective, separate
    related: disparate, dissimilar, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, divergent, diverse, unalike, varied, various
    opposite: same
    near: identical, selfsame, very

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Different

The most common words with a similar meaning to Different:

disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike, individual, respective, separate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Different

Words with the opposite meaning of Different:

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

Related Words for Different

divers, miscellaneous, mixed, several, sundry, variant, varied, various, differentiable, discriminable, alternate, alternative, particular, peculiar, single, disproportionate, divergent, unequal

Near Antonyms of Different

equal, selfsame, equivalent, tantamount, akin, analogous, comparable, homological, homologous, related, homogeneous, homogenous, uniform, very

Word Forms of Different

Derived words: differentness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Different

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre "to carry in varying directions, delay, differ"

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Different

Words & Phrases Containing Different

different animal, different beast, different drummer, a horse of a different color, in a different league, in a different light, sing a different tune, tell a different story

Frequently Asked Questions about Different

What does "Different" mean?

"Different" means partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality, dissimilar —often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality, dissimilar —often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Different"?

Other words for "Different" include disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse and nonidentical. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Different" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Different"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Different". Common alternatives include disparate, dissimilar, distant, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, nonidentical, other and unalike.

What is the opposite of "Different"?

Antonyms of "Different" include alike, identical, indistinguishable, kin, kindred, like, parallel and same. Near antonyms include equal, selfsame, equivalent and tantamount.

How do you use "Different" in a sentence?

Examples of "Different" in a sentence: "how are plantains different from bananas?"; "my brother and I sleep in different rooms when we travel".

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

"Different" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

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

As an A1-level word, "Different" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Different"?

"Different" is pronounced /ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt/ and divided into syllables as dif·fer·ent.