definite difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"definite difference" is an idiomatic expression that is perfectly valid and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize the distinction between two things. For example, "The new regulations have made a definite difference in the way our company operates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Granderson said he noticed a definite difference.

The New York Times

There is, however, a definite difference between the two as works of theater.

The New York Times

Thus, there is a subtle but definite difference in the distribution of NELF at these two gene loci.

Nature

A definite difference in approach between two nations that are supposedly going to be big supporters of each other in the future.

The New York Times

In fact there was a definite difference in shades, but the young men were convinced they had seen the true colours of the Islamists.

Independent

HOSTA adopts two self-developed high-order compact definite difference schemes WCNS and HDCS that can simulate flows with complex geometries.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"There were definite differences between how the different categories presented the information," Ms Robinson observed.

BBC

So what follows is a basic rundown of the more definite differences between the brains of men and women.

The Guardian

Definite differences were found between the annual variations of the hourly sums.

Advances in Space Research

Definite differences were found between the annual variations of the monthly mean Bz values of geoeffective (Kp > 3) ICMEs.

Advances in Space Research

QUESTION FROM GUEST: There are definite differences between cat people and dog people, but what do you think are the biggest differences between small dog people and big dog people?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite difference" when you want to emphasize a clear and easily observable distinction between two or more things. It adds weight to your observation.

Common error

While "definite difference" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing "definite" in very informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clear difference" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite difference" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "definite" modifies the noun "difference". Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and shows numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definite difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to highlight a clear and easily observable distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While suitable for most situations, avoid overusing it in excessively informal settings. Consider alternatives like "clear distinction" or "marked contrast" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmistakable difference

Emphasizes that the difference cannot be mistaken or overlooked.

clear distinction

Replaces the adjective "definite" with "clear", maintaining the emphasis on a noticeable difference.

clear-cut difference

Suggests a difference that is sharply defined and unambiguous.

obvious distinction

Highlights that the distinction is readily apparent and easy to recognize.

marked contrast

Uses "contrast" instead of "difference", suggesting a more pronounced distinction.

significant contrast

Indicates that the contrast is important or noteworthy.

noticeable variation

Employs "variation" to indicate a change or divergence that is easily observed.

pronounced variation

Stresses that the variation is particularly noticeable or strong.

distinct disparity

Uses "disparity" to highlight an inequality or difference that is clearly defined.

evident divergence

Suggests a branching out or deviation that is readily apparent.

FAQs

How can I use "definite difference" in a sentence?

You can use "definite difference" to highlight a clear distinction between two or more things. For example: "There's a "clear distinction" between the two approaches."

What are some alternatives to "definite difference"?

Alternatives include "clear distinction", "marked contrast", or "noticeable variation", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "definite difference" or "significant difference"?

"Definite difference" emphasizes clarity and observability, while "significant difference" highlights the importance or impact of the difference. The best choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "definite difference" and "subtle difference"?

"Definite difference" implies a readily apparent distinction, whereas "subtle difference" suggests that the distinction is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation.