difference
UK: ˈdɪf(ə)rəns | US: ˈdɪf(ə)rəns
n. 1. The state or quality of being unlike or distinct.
n. 2. A disagreement or dispute.
n. 3. The result of subtracting one quantity from another.
difference = dif<apart> + fer<carry> + ence<noun suffix>
- dif (variant of dis-, meaning "apart" or "away," from Latin dis-)
- fer (from Latin ferre, meaning "to carry" or "to bear")
- ence (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -entia)
Etymology Origin:
The word difference traces back to Latin differentia, derived from differre ("to carry apart"). The prefix dif- (a form of dis-) emphasizes separation, while ferre ("to carry") suggests movement or transfer. Over time, differentia evolved into Old French difference, retaining the core idea of distinction or divergence. The modern English term preserves this logic, reflecting both literal (mathematical subtraction) and abstract (qualitative disagreement) meanings.
The main difference between the two models is their battery life.
They settled their differences through mediation.
The difference in temperature caused the metal to expand.
Calculate the difference between these two numbers.
Cultural differences can enrich our understanding of the world.