different in character

USAGE SUMMARY

"different in character" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has distinctive qualities or features compared to something else. For example, "The two siblings have very different personalities - one is outgoing and fun-loving while the other is introspective and quite different in character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stern's pictures of musicians are very different in character.

The Guardian - Arts

But however different in character, the games share important preoccupations.

The New York Times - Arts

The communique was very different in character to Busan.

The Guardian

I think that's a lot different in character and scope.

The New York Times

Altogether different in character is the glamorous S. peruviana (30cm, flowers May-June).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only the second, a tumultuous moto perpetuo, is different in character.

The New York Times - Arts

Nour went on, "He and his father are not different in character at all.

The New Yorker

South Africa's gold rush was quite different in character from those in North America and Australia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These two cheeses are both from where I'm from, but they're so different in character.

The New York Times

That would be very different in character from what it is we do on our historical campus.

Princeton University

The present transactions, in the fact that the articles are liquors, are in no respect different in character.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple subjects, use "different in character" to highlight intrinsic and fundamental distinctions between them.

Common error

Don't use "different in character" when a simpler adjective like "different" or "distinct" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different in character" functions as a postpositive adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject possesses distinct qualities or features. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to highlight intrinsic differences. For instance, 'The two cities are as different in character as white bread and wheat bread'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different in character" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize fundamental distinctions between subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, and its high frequency across diverse sources like The New York Times and academic institutions underscores its reliability. While alternatives like "distinct in nature" or "dissimilar in essence" exist, "different in character" is particularly useful in formal and analytical contexts when highlighting intrinsic differences. Avoiding its overuse in simple comparisons will maintain clarity and conciseness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct in nature

This emphasizes the fundamental qualities that set something apart.

dissimilar in essence

This highlights the underlying core attributes that diverge.

varied in style

This focuses on differences in manner or presentation.

contrasting in disposition

This refers to differences in temperament or attitude.

divergent in form

This emphasizes the structural differences between things.

unlike in kind

This denotes differences in category or type.

atypical in trait

This suggests a deviation from expected characteristics.

singular in attribute

This underlines a unique or distinctive characteristic.

unique in quality

This stresses a distinctive and superior attribute.

individual in aspect

This highlights the distinctiveness of a particular facet or feature.

FAQs

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

You can use "different in character" to compare and contrast two or more subjects, emphasizing their fundamental distinctions. For example, "Although from the same family, the siblings are "different in character" and have very distinct personalities".

What's a good alternative to "different in character"?

Alternatives include "distinct in nature", "dissimilar in essence", or "varied in style". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "different in character"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the fundamental differences between two or more subjects. It is often used in analytical or comparative contexts.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "different in character" and "different in nature"?

While similar, "different in character" often implies a difference in inherent qualities or disposition, while "different in nature" might suggest a more fundamental or essential difference in kind.