differ

verb

dif·​fer ˈdi-fər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdi-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
the law of one state differs from that of another
b
: to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
the number of cookies in a box may differ
2
: to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
they differ on religious matters
I beg to differ with your interpretation.

Examples of differ in a Sentence

The two schools differ in their approach to discipline. my brother and I differ markedly in the way we handle money
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Charter schools can opt for a curriculum that differs from nearby public schools. Mars King, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025 While the most common manifestation of this takes the form of differing valuations for some tokens when analyzed across chains, and this includes valuations for stablecoins, there are other issues that DeFi needs to address. Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The American dishwasher experience differs in degree from the rest of the world. Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions. Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for differ

Word History

Etymology

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"

Note: The meanings of Latin differre, in particular the sense "to be unlike or distinct," copy those of Greek diaphérein, formed with the cognate verb phérein "to carry." English differ is not distinct etymologically from defer entry 1; the two were originally variants with stress on either the first or last syllable, with the meanings "delay" and "be unlike" eventually being restricted to one of the two variants.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of differ was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Differ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differ. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

differ

verb
dif·​fer ˈdif-ər How to pronounce differ (audio)
differed; differing ˈdif-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce differ (audio)
1
: to be not the same : be unlike
brothers who differ in looks
2
: disagree sense 2
differ only on one issue

More from Merriam-Webster on differ

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