absolutely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the degree to which two things or ideas are different. For example, you might say, "My opinion on this topic is absolutely different than yours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A very important difference is observed in the filled-state images--we observe absolutely different configuration of dimers within the "rectangles".

Nanoscale Research Letters

This was absolutely different.

The New Yorker

"It's absolutely different".

The New York Times

"It is absolutely different at City.

Independent

"Lindsay had an absolutely different injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Here the circumstances are absolutely different.

The Guardian - Books

"This chestnut soup is absolutely different.

The New York Times

We were educated in an absolutely different way.

The New York Times

This gives the Last Supper an absolutely different meaning.

The New York Times

There, look: comprehensive proof that the two films are absolutely different.

The Guardian - Film

"There is no question that terrorism and jihad are absolutely different," he told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely different" to emphasize a significant distinction, ensuring the context supports the need for strong emphasis. Avoid overuse, as it can diminish the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely different" when a simple "different" will suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Reserve it for cases where the contrast is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely different" primarily functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "different". It emphasizes the degree of difference between two or more things. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to highlight significant distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely different" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the distinction between two or more things, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an intensifier, modifying the adjective "different" to highlight a significant contrast. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. While useful for emphasis, it should be used judiciously to avoid weakening its impact. For alternatives, consider "utterly different" or "completely dissimilar" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly different

Emphasizes the completeness of the difference, similar to "absolutely", but with a slightly more formal tone.

completely dissimilar

Highlights the lack of similarity, using a more formal vocabulary.

entirely distinct

Focuses on the separateness and uniqueness of the items being compared.

radically contrasting

Implies a fundamental opposition or divergence between the subjects.

worlds apart

Figuratively emphasizes the vast difference, implying they exist in separate realms.

poles apart

Suggests the subjects are at opposite ends of a spectrum or scale.

as different as night and day

A common idiom that emphasizes the extreme contrast between two things.

markedly divergent

Highlights a significant departure or deviation between the items.

distinctly contrasting

Emphasizes the clear and obvious difference between the subjects.

qualitatively different

Focuses on differences in the nature or quality of the items, rather than just degree.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely different" in a sentence?

Use "absolutely different" to emphasize a strong contrast. For instance, "The two approaches to the problem were "absolutely different", one focusing on prevention and the other on mitigation".

What can I say instead of "absolutely different"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly different", "completely dissimilar", or "entirely distinct" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "absolutely different"?

While "different" already implies a distinction, "absolutely different" adds emphasis. The appropriateness depends on context; overuse can weaken the impact. Consider whether the emphasis is truly necessary, or if "completely different" or simply "different" would be sufficient.

When is it best to use "absolutely different" over other similar phrases?

Use "absolutely different" when you want to highlight a stark and undeniable contrast. For example, "The results of the experiment were "absolutely different" from what we expected", emphasizing the unexpected nature of the outcome.