difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the variation between two or more things, or the lack thereof. For example, "There is a big difference in the way these two apples taste!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With its double-size sample, the final poll gives more scope than usual for looking for difference in voting patterns across different types of parliamentary seat.

The Guardian

"What was the difference?

The New York Times - Sports

There is another difference too.

The Guardian

What makes the difference?

The New York Times

What a difference!

The New York Times - Arts

I noticed the difference, and so did my husband.

The Guardian

For every year that's pushed out that's a year longer that it will take to make a real difference for people across the world".

The Guardian

There's no difference in the shower and when you do the washing up it's still boiling hot.

The Guardian

That's a big difference.

The New York Times

What's the difference?

The New York Times

That's an increase that the companies can easily tolerate, and it would make a significant difference in the lives of low-wage workers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, use specific language to describe the "difference", avoiding vague or generalized statements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of a minor "difference". Ensure the disparity is substantial enough to warrant attention.

Linguistic Context

The word "difference" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state of being dissimilar or the quality that distinguishes one thing from another. It's commonly used to highlight contrasts and variations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "difference" is a very common noun used to denote the quality of being unlike or distinct. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, with less frequent use in formal business and scientific contexts. It is grammatically correct and serves the purpose of highlighting distinctions. When writing, be mindful to avoid overstating the significance of minor "differences". Alternatives include "distinction", "variation", and "disparity", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissimilarity

Directly states the lack of resemblance.

distinction

Emphasizes a clear point of unlikeness or contrast.

contrast

Stresses the opposition or dissimilarity between two things.

variation

Highlights the range of divergence or change.

disparity

Focuses on a significant gap or inequality.

discrepancy

Indicates an inconsistency or contradiction.

divergence

Indicates a branching out or deviation from a common point.

incongruity

Highlights a lack of harmony or compatibility.

deviation

Implies a departure from a standard or norm.

nuance

Focuses on a subtle or delicate variation.

FAQs

How to use "difference" in a sentence?

You can use "difference" to point out the dissimilarity between two or more things. For example, "There is a significant "disparity" in their incomes".

What can I say instead of "difference"?

You can use alternatives like "distinction", "variation", or "disparity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "difference between" or "difference of"?

"Difference between" is generally used when comparing two distinct entities. "Difference of" is more commonly used in mathematical contexts.

What's the difference between "difference" and "differentiation"?

"Difference" refers to the state of being unlike, while "differentiation" is the process of distinguishing between things. They are related but not interchangeable.