meaningful difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaningful difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important distinction between two or more things. Example: "The study revealed a meaningful difference in the effectiveness of the two treatments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They're actually making a meaningful difference".

The New York Times

It's hard to spot a meaningful difference on Osborne's yardstick.

The Guardian - Business

"Will these cars make a meaningful difference themselves?

The New York Times

"There is no meaningful difference between them," he said.

The Guardian

That is a modest but statistically meaningful difference.

The New York Times - Tech

For families, in particular, that is a meaningful difference.

The New York Times - Travel

But the committee has not made a meaningful difference.

The Economist

Statistically speaking, there was no meaningful difference in survival between the two groups.

The New York Times

Even so, he added, the program will, in the end, "make a meaningful difference".

The New York Times

She would do so only if she thought she could make a meaningful difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Follow Skyler Reid on Thetter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, quantify the "meaningful difference" whenever possible to demonstrate its impact on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Common error

Avoid using "meaningful difference" when the observed difference is minimal or lacks practical importance. Ensure the difference justifies the claim of being meaningful to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaningful difference" functions as a noun phrase, where "meaningful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "difference". It indicates a distinction that is not only present but also important or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meaningful difference" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a distinction that is not only present but also significant and important. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. While it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of the difference, understanding its proper application can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Alternatives such as "significant distinction", "notable variation", and "substantial contrast" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. The prevalence and versatility of the phrase underscore its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant distinction

Focuses on the notability of the difference.

important distinction

Highlights the relevance or consequence of the difference.

considerable difference

Highlights the magnitude or degree of the difference, implying it is worth taking into account.

notable variation

Highlights the degree to which things diverge.

significant variation

Focuses on the magnitude of the difference.

material difference

Emphasizes that the difference is consequential and relevant to the matter at hand.

substantial contrast

Emphasizes the degree of dissimilarity between the entities being compared.

real distinction

Focuses on the authenticity and genuineness of the difference.

marked contrast

Emphasizes the clear and easily observable nature of the difference.

pronounced difference

Highlights that the difference is very noticeable or obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "meaningful difference" to highlight a significant distinction between two or more things. For example, "There is a "significant distinction" between the two approaches."

What are some alternatives to "meaningful difference"?

Alternatives include "significant distinction", "notable variation", and "substantial contrast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant difference" or "meaningful difference"?

Both "significant difference" and "meaningful difference" are correct. "Meaningful difference" emphasizes the practical importance or relevance of the difference, while "significant difference" simply indicates that the difference is statistically notable.

What is the clinical importance of a "meaningful difference"?

In a clinical setting, a "meaningful difference" refers to a change or distinction that has practical relevance for patient care or outcomes. This means that the difference is large enough to justify changes in treatment or management strategies. This is related to what some experts call "clinically significant difference".