verb

differ

/ˈdɪfər/ · say it: DIF·ur

to hold a contrary opinion

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to be different or not the same as something else

2. (verb) to disagree or have a different opinion

Examples

1. The two sisters differ in personality and interests. 2. The two experts differ on the best approach to solving the problem.

How to use differ

Differ is used to indicate either factual dissimilarity (differ from/in) or disagreement about opinions (differ on/about). It is more formal than the phrasal verb 'be different' and is common in academic and professional writing. When indicating disagreement, it often carries a tactful or diplomatic tone.

Common phrases

differ from
differ in
differ on
differ significantly
differ widely
agree to differ

Synonyms

vary · diverge · disagree · deviate · contrast

Opposites

agree · match · correspond

Word family

difference · different · differently · differing

A common mistake

Learners sometimes say 'differ to' instead of 'differ from' when indicating dissimilarity, or omit a preposition entirely.

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