differencedif‧fe‧rence /ˈdɪfərəns/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
There’s a big difference between knowing that something is true, and being able to prove it. There is very little difference between the parties on green issues. Do children know the difference between right and wrong?difference in Researchers found a number of important differences in the way boys and girls learn. There’s a world of difference (=there’s a very big difference) between being alone and being lonely.2[singular, uncountable] the amount by which one thing is greater or smaller than anotherdifference in age/size etc There’s not much difference in price. There’s a five-hour time difference between London and New York. → split the difference at split1(9)3make a/the difference to have an important effect or influence on something or someone: Whatever she did, it made no difference.difference to One more person wouldn’t make any difference to the arrangements.difference between It could make the difference between missing your train and getting to work on time. Having a good teacher has made all the difference for Alex (=had an important influence).4it makes no difference to somebody used to say that it does not matter to someone which thing happens, is chosen etc: Morning or afternoon. It makes no difference to me.5our/your/their differences disagreements: We’ve had our differences in the past.settle/resolve your differences (=agree not to argue anymore)6difference of opinion a slight disagreement: There have been some differences of opinion as to exactly how the money should be spent.7with a difference informal used to describe something which is interesting or unusual, especially in a good way: an adventure holiday with a differenceCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + differencea big/major/huge difference· I think you’ll notice a big difference.an important/significant/crucial difference· A study of the two groups of students showed a significant difference.a slight/small/minor difference· There’s only a slight difference between the male and the female bird.a marked/dramatic difference (=very noticeable)· There was a marked difference between the two sets of results.a subtle difference (=not obvious)· There’s a subtle difference in flavour between these coffees.an essential/fundamental difference (=a very basic one)· The fundamental differences between the two sides slowly emerged.cultural/political/regional etc differences· the major cultural differences between the west and the eastclass differences (=between different classes of society)· People’s answers to the questions showed clear class differences.sex/gender differences (=between men and women)· gender differences in levels of criminalityindividual differences (=between one person and another)· We respect the children’s individual differences.verbsshow a difference· Our data showed considerable national differences.know the difference (=know how two things are different)· If you don’t know the difference between two words, your dictionary can help.can tell/see the difference (=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.notice a difference· She has noticed a dramatic difference in her energy levels.spot the difference (=see the difference)· It’s easy to spot the difference between real and imitation leather.THESAURUSdifference a detail, fact, or quality that makes one person or thing different from another: · We should think about the similarities between cultures, not the differences.difference between: · Try and spot the differences between these two pictures.· The difference between the two cheeses is that one is made from goat’s milk.difference in: · I don’t think there’s any difference in the way you pronounce these two words.know the difference: · He’s speaking Italian, not Spanish. Don’t you know the difference?contrast a very clear difference that you can easily see when you compare two things or people: contrast between something/somebody and something/somebody: · What surprised me was the contrast between Picasso’s early style and his later work.gap a big difference between two amounts, two ages, or two groups of people: gap between: · There’s a ten-year gap between Kay’s two children.· The gap between rich and poor is wider in the South than in the rest of the country.age/gender/income etc gap: · The age gap between us didn’t seem to matter until we decided to have children.gulf a very big difference and lack of understanding between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life: gulf between somebody and somebody: · More riots led to a growing gulf between the police and the communities in which they worked.bridge/cross the gulf (=improve understanding and communication): · The central problem was how to bridge the gulf between the warring factions of the party.disparity formal a big difference between two groups of people or things – use this especially when you think the difference is unfair or may cause problems: disparity between: · It is not easy to explain the disparity that still exists between the salaries of men and women.disparity in: · the disparity in wealth between the highest and the lowest employeesthe economic/income etc disparity: · The economic disparity between the area’s black and white citizens is a serious problem.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Calculate the difference between the amount you started with and what you have left.
- He's speaking Italian, not Spanish. Don't you know the difference?
- I don't think there's any difference in the way you pronounce these two words.
- I prefer the Peugeot 406 to the 405. What's the price difference?
- If you put all your savings towards the cost of a bike, your Dad and I will pay the difference.
- The difference between the two cheeses is that one is made from goat's milk.
- The trade deficit is the difference between imports and exports.
- There is a vast difference between daytime and night-time temperatures in the desert.
- There was fifteen years difference in age between the two women.
- Try and spot the differences between these two pictures.
- We should think about the similarities between cultures, not the differences.
- Create an environment where every employee can feel that he or she can make a difference.
- Even in post-classical law, then, some differences of significance between legacies and trusts persisted.
- From the styles of the two painters their difference is apparent.
- It provides attenuation of potential difference represented by when it is negligibly loaded.
- Look for little touches that will make the difference.
- Perhaps the biggest differences in attitudes toward guns come between men and women.
- The difference with Vygotsky's views on this issue is handled well.
- The explanation of the difference is important for a number of reasons.
THESAURUS
a detail, fact, or quality that makes one person or thing different from another: · We should think about the similarities between cultures, not the differences.difference between: · Try and spot the differences between these two pictures.· The difference between the two cheeses is that one is made from goat’s milk.difference in: · I don’t think there’s any difference in the way you pronounce these two words.know the difference: · He’s speaking Italian, not Spanish. Don’t you know the difference?
a very clear difference that you can easily see when you compare two things or people: contrast between something/somebody and something/somebody: · What surprised me was the contrast between Picasso’s early style and his later work.
a big difference between two amounts, two ages, or two groups of people: gap between: · There’s a ten-year gap between Kay’s two children.· The gap between rich and poor is wider in the South than in the rest of the country.age/gender/income etc gap: · The age gap between us didn’t seem to matter until we decided to have children.
a very big difference and lack of understanding between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life: gulf between somebody and somebody: · More riots led to a growing gulf between the police and the communities in which they worked.bridge/cross the gulf (=improve understanding and communication): · The central problem was how to bridge the gulf between the warring factions of the party.
formal a big difference between two groups of people or things – use this especially when you think the difference is unfair or may cause problems: disparity between: · It is not easy to explain the disparity that still exists between the salaries of men and women.disparity in: · the disparity in wealth between the highest and the lowest employeesthe economic/income etc disparity: · The economic disparity between the area’s black and white citizens is a serious problem.
Longman Language Activatora fact or quality that makes someone or something different a detail, fact, or quality that makes one person or thing different from another: · We should think about the similarities between cultures, not the differences.difference between: · Try and spot the differences between these two pictures.· The difference between the two cheeses is that one is made from goat's milk.difference in: · I don't think there's any difference in the way you pronounce these two words.know the difference: · He's speaking Italian, not Spanish. Don't you know the difference?
a clear, but usually small, difference between similar things: · Pablo insists that he is Basque, not Spanish - an important distinction.distinction between: · There is a clear distinction between lawful protest and illegal strike action.
a feature of a particular person or thing that makes them look different from other similar people or things: · The distinguishing feature of the African elephant is the size of its ears.· The melodies of most composers have distinguishing characteristics which make them instantly identifiable.
the difference between two people or things the amount by which one person, thing, or amount is different from another: difference between: · Calculate the difference between the amount you started with and what you have left.a big/huge etc difference: · There is a vast difference between daytime and night-time temperatures in the desert.difference in: · There was fifteen years difference in age between the two women.age/height/price etc difference (=between one amount and another): · I prefer the Peugeot 406 to the 405. What's the price difference?pay the difference: · If you put all your savings towards the cost of a bike, your Dad and I will pay the difference.
a very clear difference that you can easily see when you compare two things or people: contrast between something/somebody and something/somebody: · What surprised me was the contrast between Picasso's early style and his later work.
a big difference between two amounts, two ages, or two groups of people: gap between: · There's a ten-year gap between Kay's two children.· The gap between rich and poor is wider in the South than in the rest of the country.age/gender/income etc gap: · The age gap between us didn't seem to matter until we decided to have children.
a very big difference and lack of understanding between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life: gulf between somebody and somebody: · More riots led to a growing gulf between the police and the communities in which they worked.bridge/cross the gulf (=improve understanding and communication): · The central problem was how to bridge the gulf between the warring factions of the party.
a difference between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life which means they will never be friends, become the same etc: divide between: · Recently the divide between the two sides has widened.a cultural/political etc divide: · There is still a great economic and political divide between the east and the west of the country.
formal a big difference between two groups of people or things - use this especially when you think the difference is unfair or may cause problems: disparity between: · It is not easy to explain the disparity that still exists between the salaries of men and women.disparity in: · the disparity in wealth between the highest and the lowest employeesthe economic/income etc disparity: · The economic disparity between the area's black and white citizens is a serious problem.
to notice that two things or people are different to be able to notice that two things or people are different, even though they seem to be similar: · It looked just like a real diamond - I couldn't tell the difference.can tell the difference between: · Can you tell the difference between a really good wine and the sort that you might drink every day?
to be able to see that two very similar people or things are different - use this especially in questions and negative statements: · The twins are identical - even their parents can't always tell them apart.
to be able to recognize and understand the difference between two or more similar people or things: · Several thousand minerals can be distinguished, each defined by its own set of properties.distinguish between: · Even a expert would find it hard to distinguish between the original painting and the copy.distinguish from: · A tiny baby soon learns to distinguish its mother's face from other adults' faces.
to know, see, or show the difference between a group of people or things: differentiate between: · As journalists, we have to differentiate between facts and opinions.differentiate from: · Part of the management course was teaching us how to differentiate essential tasks from less important ones.
to say what the difference is between two or more similar people or things: draw/make a distinction between: · The law draws a distinction between different types of killing, according to whether it was intended or not.· In the government's education proposals there is a clear distinction made between academic and practical training.
to be able to find differences between similar people or things in order to make a choice: discriminate between: · The monkeys were easily able to discriminate between the different objects, according to their visual appearance.discriminate from: · A test is useful for discriminating those students who have reached a higher level from those at a lower level.
very different from something or someone else if two or more people or things have nothing in common , they do not have the same qualities, opinions, or interests: · Apart from the fact that we went to the same school, we have absolutely nothing in common.have nothing in common with: · Batavia was a completely new modern city, having very little in common with other Indonesian towns.
to be completely different from and not connected in any way with another person or thing: · Everyone complains that the national tests bear no relation to what children have learnt in class.· I was astonished when I read the press release, which bore no relation to what I had told them.
people, beliefs, or ideas that are worlds or poles apart are so completely different that there is almost nothing about them that is similar: · I don't know why Max took an interest in me. We were always worlds apart.worlds apart/poles apart from: · The children were on holiday, enjoying a lifestyle worlds apart from the one they had to put up with at home.
if a situation is a far cry from another situation or place, it is so different that it is almost the opposite: · We had dinner at the Ritz, a far cry from our usual hamburger and fries.· The first Olympic Games in 1896 were a far cry from the slick spectacle of today.
if you say there is a world of difference between two activities or situations, you mean that they are completely different from each other and people should not expect them to be the same: · There is a world of difference between home-made bread and the tasteless substance that many people buy today.
especially American, informal to be very different from what you have done or experienced before: · Being married is one thing, but having children is a whole new ball game.
British informal if two people who are related or good friends are like chalk and cheese , they are completely different in a way that surprises you: · It's hard to believe that they're brothers -- they're like chalk and cheese!
when people disagree when people disagree with each other: · The party is seriously split by internal rivalries and disagreements.disagreement about/over: · Disagreement over who should produce the next album caused the band to split.disagreement between/among: · There is some disagreement among medical experts about the best treatment for back pain.
when people are unable to agree, especially about something important - use this as a way of avoiding more direct words like 'argument' and 'disagreement': difference of opinion about/over: · There were major differences of opinion over who should command the UN forces.difference of opinion between/among: · There is a difference of opinion between the chairman and the board as to the best way to handle the takeover.
a serious disagreement about a decision, plan, or action, that causes arguments for a long time in newspapers, on television etc: · Controversy surrounds the TV show, which many consider to be racist, sexist, and homophobic.controversy over: · There has been a huge controversy over where to put the city's new sports stadium and who should build it.
a situation in which two groups disagree, and no agreement is possible because each group refuses to change its mind even slightly: · Parents believe that pressure from city hall could force an end to the stalemate with the school board.deadlock/stalemate over: · the political deadlock over allowable levels of greenhouse emissionsbreak the deadlock/stalemate (=end the situation): · US negotiators met with representatives from both countries today in an attempt to break the deadlock.
continuous disagreement and angry feelings or unfriendliness between people: · Teenage children begin to assert their independence and this can lead to a good deal of friction in the family.friction between: · There has been serious friction between the two army commanders.
formal strong disagreement that makes people feel unfriendly towards each other: · Money is the single biggest cause of discord in marriage.discord over: · There has always been discord over NATO's role in world conflict.
a refusal to accept an official opinion or an opinion that most people accept: · During the Prime Minister's speech there were several murmurs of open dissent from the crowd.· Anti-war dissent was increasing by the time Nixon took office.
when you do not care because you will be happy whatever happens British /don't care American to not care because you will be happy with whatever happens or with whatever someone decides: · "What would you like to do tonight?" "I don't mind. You decide."· "Do you want white bread or wheat?" "I don't care. Either one is fine."don't mind where/what/how etc: · Honestly, I don't mind whether Linda comes with us or not.· They won't care if we're a few minutes late.
especially British, spoken to not care what happens or what is decided, especially when someone has asked you what you would prefer: · "Do you want to sit in the front seat or the back?'' "I'm not fussy.''be not fussy where/what/which etc: · I'm not fussy where I stay, as long as it's cheap.be not fussy about: · She's not fussy about what kind of car she drives.· He's not very fussy about his appearance, is he?
spoken say this when you do not mind what happens because it does not affect you or cause you any problems: · You can come on Thursday or Friday -- it makes no difference to me.· We can go out to eat if you want - it's all the same to me.· Mamet says it makes no difference to him what a movie costs, as long as it's a good movie.
spoken informal say this when someone asks you which one of two things you would prefer, and you want to tell them that you do not mind what is decided: · "Do you want to watch the news or the late night film?'' "I'm easy.''
spoken say this when you do not care what someone else does because it does not affect you in any way: · It's no skin off our nose if they don't want to come along.· If my sister wants to throw her money away, then fine. It's no skin off my nose.
spoken say this when someone has told you what they are going to do, and even though you do not think it is a good idea, you do not care whether they do it or not: · "I think I'll just stay home tonight." "Suit yourself."· "Do you mind if I sit here?'' "Suit yourself,'' she said, without looking up.
to have an effect on someone or something to make someone or something change in some way, for example by making them better or worse: · For some patients, the treatment has an immediate effect.have an effect on: · What you eat when you are pregnant can have an effect on your baby.· No one knows yet what effects genetically modified foods will have on the environment.have little/no effect: · The government's policies have so far had little effect in reducing the level of inflation.
if an event, invention, or new idea has an impact on something, it affects it in important ways and causes big changes: · The new management team has clearly had an impact.have an impact on: · It is unlikely that the storms will have much impact on this year's harvest.· the impact of the Internet on all our liveshave a great/enormous/major etc impact: · Einstein's work on relativity had an enormous impact on the way physics developed.have little/no impact: · At first, the revolution had little impact on the lives of ordinary people.
to produce a change, for example in the way that something develops or in someone's situation: · The new tax law doesn't affect me because I'm a student.· Scientists are investigating the ways in which climate changes affect the ozone layer.
if something takes effect , especially a medicine or drug, or a new plan or system, it starts to have an effect: · It will be a while before the government's new economic policy takes effect.· The dentist gave me an injection that took effect almost immediately, and I didn't feel a thing.
to have a noticeable effect on a situation: · If everybody helps a little, it really makes a difference.· You can call and complain, but I don't think it will make any difference.make a big difference: · Just getting a new hairstyle and new outfit made a big difference to my confidence.
to affect something such as sales or profits - used especially in business and journalism: · How is the growth of e-commerce likely to impact the retail sector?impact on: · Child care is an issue that impacts on a broad cross-section of working women.
method/plan/system a method, system etc that is effective succeeds in achieving the result that you want: · The advertisement was simple but remarkably effective.· Our training programme covers a range of effective management techniques.an effective way of doing something/to do something: · There are many effective ways of using videos in language teaching.highly effective: · The new system has proved to be a highly effective way of extending trading hours.
if a plan or method works , it produces the result that you want: · "I can't open the jar." "Try putting it in hot water. That sometimes works."work well: · The recipe works just as well if you cook the fish in the microwave.work with somebody (=make someone react in the way you want): · That type of sales talk doesn't work with me.work like magic/like a charm/like a dream (=have exactly the result that you want, especially when this is surprising): · I bought a bottle of stain remover, and it worked like magic.
to produce the result or effect that is intended: · You may have to take two pills in order to achieve the desired effect.have the desired effect of doing something: · The meetings had the desired effect of driving home the urgent need for change.
an action, or piece of work that is successful produces very good results: · Their new advertising campaign has been very successful.· Did you have a successful shopping trip?· It was one of the President's most successful speeches.highly successful: · Freire introduced highly successful literacy programs in Brazil.
spoken say this about a tool or method you think will be effective: · An electric saw will do the job at twice the speed.· Exercise and a low-calorie diet should do the trick.
to be extremely effective in dealing with a difficult problem or situation: · Many elderly people need to get out more, and often a new hobby works wonders.work wonders for: · The team's recent successes have worked wonders for their morale.
if the way you do something or the methods or people you use make a difference , they make something much more effective and successful: · If you're a young energetic college graduate who wants to make a difference in the world of media, this is the job for you!make all the difference: · The kind of technology you choose will make all the difference to the success of your business.
exactly like someone or something · They were both wearing the same shoes.· We've opened up stores in the UK and we hope to do the same in the rest of Europe.· "We always get up late on Saturdays." "It's the same in our house."look/sound/taste etc the same · The houses on the street all look the same.just the same/exactly the same (=not different in any way) · I tried three different types of wine, but they all tasted exactly the same to me.all the same · Take whichever you like - they're all the same.the same ... as · They were doing the same jobs as the men, but being paid less.
if someone or something is just like or exactly like someone or something else, there is very little difference between them: · You're just like my teacher.· There are insects that look exactly like green leaves.· This song sounds exactly like that one by The Beatles.be just/exactly like doing something: · We had often talked about emigrating to Australia. Suzie came from Melbourne, so it would be just like going home for her.
identical things are exactly the same in every way: · To me the two patterns looked identical.identical to: · The picture is identical to the one in the museum of Modern Art in New York.identical in size/colour/shape etc: · The tablets were identical in size, shape, and colour.
if you can't tell the difference between two people or things, or if you can't tell them apart , they look, sound, or seem exactly the same to you: · Emma and Louise sound so alike on the phone, I can't tell the difference.· They are identical twins and it's impossible to tell them apart.· These rap bands all sound the same to me -- I can't tell them apart.can't tell the difference between: · Don't let her help you with the gardening -- she can't tell the difference between a weed and a strawberry plant!
two people or things that are indistinguishable are so similar that it is impossible to know which is which or to see any differences between them: · In the storm the sky and sea were indistinguishable.· It was claimed that Russian and American defence policies were indistinguishable.indistinguishable from: · He tasted the cheaper wine and found it indistinguishable from a superior one.
use this especially when you expect something or someone to be different from another thing or person, but in fact they are the same: · People often think that movie stars are special in some way, but really they're no different from anybody else.· Life on the island is no different from life on the mainland.
if one thing matches another or if two things match , they look the same or have the same qualities or characteristics: · You can't go out wearing socks that don't match.· Their performance in government didn't quite match their election promises.
if you repeat or copy something word for word , you do it using exactly the same words: · Janice repeated word for word what Harold had told her.· It appears that someone has copied your essay word for word.
what you say when something is not important spoken say this to tell someone that something is not important and will not cause any serious problems: · "We've missed the train." "It doesn't matter - there's another one in 10 minutes."it doesn't matter if/whether/what etc: · It doesn't matter if you're a few minutes late. We'll wait for you.· It doesn't matter what other people think. You should do what you think is best.
say this when you think something is not important enough to affect what happens or change what someone decides: · "Do you want cash or a cheque?" "It doesn't make any difference."· Even if she had known he was lying it would have made no difference.· It doesn't make any difference whether you use fresh berries or frozen ones.it makes no difference/it doesn't make any difference to somebody: · It makes no difference to me if you want to go.it makes no difference/it doesn't make any difference to something: · You can have a single room or a double -- it makes no difference to the price.
spoken say this when you do not think something is important or worrying, even though other people may think it is: · My leg's a little sore, but it's no big deal.· Just copy your work onto a disk - it's no big deal.· She assumed he'd be furious, but the whole incident just wasn't a big deal to him.
spoken say this when you think something is not important and you do not want other people to worry about it: · "Are you okay?" "Yeah, it's nothing."· "Why do you want to speak to Danny? Is he in trouble again?" "No, it's nothing, really. We just want to ask a couple of questions."
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYADJECTIVES/NOUN + difference There’s a big difference between understanding something and being able to explain it to others. Dan detected a change in her mood. The new system has made a huge difference. The differences between the landowners and the conservationists were irreconcilable from the start. The company will be forced to pay $6 million to make up the difference. a noticeable improvement in air quality Try to patch up your differences before he leaves. There is a significant difference between the number of home births now and ten years ago.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· I think you’ll notice a big difference.
· A study of the two groups of students showed a significant difference.
· There’s only a slight difference between the male and the female bird.
(=very noticeable)· There was a marked difference between the two sets of results.
(=not obvious)· There’s a subtle difference in flavour between these coffees.
(=a very basic one)· The fundamental differences between the two sides slowly emerged.
· the major cultural differences between the west and the east
(=between different classes of society)· People’s answers to the questions showed clear class differences.
(=between men and women)· gender differences in levels of criminality
(=between one person and another)· We respect the children’s individual differences.
verbs· Our data showed considerable national differences.
(=know how two things are different)· If you don’t know the difference between two words, your dictionary can help.
(=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.
· She has noticed a dramatic difference in her energy levels.
(=see the difference)· It’s easy to spot the difference between real and imitation leather.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There’s a big difference between understanding something and being able to explain it to others. (=differences that exist because of your class)· There are noticeable class differences in family size.
· There is a crucial difference between the British and American attitudes.
· People must accept each others’ cultural differences.
Dan detected a change in her mood.· The programs made a dramatic difference to the lives of millions of people.
· The essential difference between the two boats lies in the design of the hull.
· There is no fundamental difference between people of different races.
· Research has shown that there are gender differences in the way alcohol affects the brain.
The new system has made a huge difference. The differences between the landowners and the conservationists were irreconcilable from the start. The company will be forced to pay $6 million to make up the difference. a noticeable improvement in air quality (=two people disagree)· He and Luke had a difference of opinion.
Try to patch up your differences before he leaves.· There is a radical difference between this and other dieting methods.
(=stop arguing with each other)· She and Rose had finally resolved their differences.
(=agree to stop arguing)· The two recently met to settle their differences.
There is a significant difference between the number of home births now and ten years ago.· But when couples were asked how many children they were likely to have in reality, bigger social class differences became apparent.· But pay has proven to make a big difference at organizations that are smaller and less well known, too.· Donald's presence certainly made a big difference to the speed we arose that day.· There is a reason for that: There is a big difference in attendance patterns for the two sports.· One big difference from the normal formation was that there were five defenders playing, not the usual four.· To a reasonably detached observer, the biggest difference between real estate folks and editor folks is the questions they ask.· It is the biggest difference between New York and other cities.· Distraction turns out to make a big difference in how well memories are stored.
· Social perspectives on cognition have come to accept cultural differences not as deficits but as important variation.· Not that racial and cultural differences can not exist.· And the cultural difference is even more pronounced when it comes to personnel.· Families strong enough to embrace the cultural differences of their children will give them wings to fly home.· Health authorities are encouraged to arrange for the services which ethnic minority communities need and which reflect cultural differences.· Ted jokes that there really are some cultural differences.· Inability to cope with cultural differences may not show itself immediately.· We must allow for these cultural differences.
· This has led to the argument that there is no essential difference between debt and tax finance.· The market-based economies and private ownership in Western democracies make an essential difference in the scope and application of the centralization concepts.· To help the learner, complex examples should be reduced to the essential characteristics and differences emphasised.· And in that there lies an essential difference between the painters and the poets here.· The essential difference between single-step selection and cumulative selection is this.· Whether they made an essential difference is another story, but I tend to think that everything counts.· The essential difference between free email and its paid for counterpart is that the email service is provided through a Web interface.· This is the essential difference between anthropology and Darwinism.
· And here lies a fundamental difference of opinion - how should a National Park operate?· And while there are fundamental differences between Eastern and Western medicine, this is no new age fad.· This fundamental difference with the position of earlier radicals required theoretical analysis in two areas.· What he did not say was that the two parties have fundamental differences on all these matters.· It is rather that there is a fundamental difference in the distribution of syntactic features between the two modes.· Climate change is making a fundamental difference.· There is a crucial and fundamental difference, not always appreciated, between acquaintances and friends.· But by now even more fundamental differences were beginning to appear.
· The greatest difference between these cars and 46-55 lay in the trucks.· It was not surprising that the greatest difference occurred On the measure of persistence, drive, and sense of duty.· It was indeed hierarchical: both in theory and practice it made a great difference where a man was born.· Not a great difference, but a clear trend.· There are, however, great differences in linguistic style between academically and non-academically oriented children.· To be sure, there are even greater differences.· Layout and design can make a great difference in increasing sales.· That was the great difference, or rather, the fruit of a great difference symbolized by the Macanese themselves.
· For both children modern gadgets like these make a huge difference when it comes to learning about the world around them.· A: The stuff on the Internet side of your modem can make for huge differences in speed.· This rate varies from lender to lender and can make a huge difference to the overall cost of your loan.· The sense of fear makes a huge difference.· Despite the huge differences in cost, few borrowers ever make an effort to switch their mortgage to a cheaper lender.· Now it has thawed again, and there is a huge difference.· Some parts of the motorway have had lights installed, making a huge difference to visibility.· Moving the speakers as little as an inch or two forward or backward can make a huge difference.
· However, Weber sees important differences in the market situation of the propertyless groups in society.· Within this general pattern we must however be careful to distinguish some important regional differences.· There were, however, important differences.· There is an important difference, however, between Eudoxos's proposal and that of Dedekind and Weierstrass.· Despite such important differences, these two political ideologies nevertheless share certain affinities with respect to their visions of law and government.· They delay improvements that might have made an important difference to the lives of many individuals.· It must be stressed that there are important differences between stage hypnotism and the techniques used in alternative medicine.· There is, however, an important difference here from the contestable markets case.
· It makes little or no difference to bed-wetting and denying the drink will seem like a punishment.· The pressing seemed to make little difference and only with the extended salting times.· They drag on from generation to generation and emigration to Britain makes very little difference.· At the time it made little difference what it might be since I glided in and out of consciousness throughout the procedure.· There is little difference between the two.· For Apple, countering the perception that there was little difference between Macintosh and Windows was a difficult task.· Amongst Sun readers, there was little difference between Labour and Conservative identifiers in their perceptions of its anti-Labour, pro-Conservative bias.· That was why what happened on the boat makes very little difference to me.
· The main difference between the two is the melting point of the solder.· The main difference is that men do not blame themselves for their ambivalence toward parenthood.· List the main differences in chemical composition between the Earth and the Moon. 7.· The main difference is that before we made quality of life enforcement a high priority.· Describe the main differences in the budgeting process for a small retail firm and a large manufacturing firm.· The main difference is that commas are more formal than dashes.· The other main difference between the two species is far more difficult to explain.· Discuss the main differences between accountant's and engineer's control models.
· Indeed, this is a major difference between social science and journalism.· The major differences may lie in the degree of the problems and the possibilities for solutions.· However, there are major differences.· This may explain the major difference between men and women when it comes to reading and reacting to others.· It is likely that there are major differences inside firms which will affect the patterns of cooperation and conflict.· There were also major differences in the two trials.· But he points out major differences.
· The only difference is a difference of degree.· The only difference is that the work simply does not get published.· The only difference is that this time the scope of our work is civil, mechanical and electrical.· But the only difference between these two sentences lies in the choice of the lexical item as object.· The only area of difference between women which woman-centred feminists consistently address is that of sexuality.· The only difference is that the actual futures price is £62 000.· The only difference between us is that you have a wife and three kids.· The only difference now is that people are not surprised and perhaps, therefore, better prepared for the shock.
· What real difference would £250 make to us?· My new firm gave me the chance to make a real difference.· What real difference will it make to you to rethink this aspect of your employment?· Attitudinal differences are reinforced by what are very real differences in economic situations....· The real difference, however, lies in the directors' approaches.· The real difference between approving or rejecting the bonds comes down to where those road projects are going to go.· The real difference is observable in the breakdown of scenes and the manner in which Britten chooses to deploy the dramatic action.· The real difference between him and Reed, however, is from the neck up.
· Within these overall figures there were significant phase differences.· There are significant differences in the morphology and degree of volcanic activity associated with these two types of rift.· Financial Participation and Liability Here can be seen some of the most significant differences between partnerships and companies.· There was no significant difference in percentage of cells in S phase in the distal colon of rats in both diet groups.· Previous gastric surgery was uncommon in all three groups and showed no significant difference.· There are, of course, differences and I've often wondered what is the most significant difference.· Thirty-nine percent. of the cases observed received a caution with no significant difference between races.· There was no significant difference in severity of disease between the groups who had obtained and had not obtained higher qualifications.
· Basically all the major schemes have the same rules, with a couple of subtle differences.· Newborn infants are also better at hearing subtle differences, compared with adults.· Other, more subtle differences show up in the symmetry properties of weak and electromagnetic interactions.· A child can not comprehend the subtle difference between illegal segregation in the South and racial imbalance in the North.· Each involves subtle differences in the investment strategy of the parties involved.· There is efficacy and grace in the process alone and the subtle differences come only with experience.· Perfect pitch is necessary for understanding the subtle differences between similar sounding words in these languages, she says.· It seemed to me this evening that there was a subtle difference about him.
NOUN· There was a considerable age difference at death, Barathes being 68 while his wife was only 30.· The nearly 23 years between their birthdays would be the largest age difference ever between major-party presidential candidates.· And she says the age difference doesn't bother her a bit.· There was the age difference and everything.· As well as age differences, ethnic groups also show differences in their occupational structure and family patterns.· But the age difference can be easily emphasized without overt acknowledgement.· It was at a time when there was a big age difference: the elder students were ex-soldiers.· In fact, it was inevitable that this would happen, given our age difference.
· There are no social class differences.· Highlighting class differences to emphasize his own down-to-earth roots is nothing new to Dole.· However, there were also marked class differences.· The social class difference in frequency of shopping is negligible.· When the authors looked at the proportion of the community experiencing vulnerability factors, important social class differences emerged.· But when couples were asked how many children they were likely to have in reality, bigger social class differences became apparent.· There were some clear social class differences in their answers.
· Feminist psychologists tend to see the significance of gender differences much as conventional psychologists do.· Past research has looked at how the age of puberty affects subsequent risk of problems and found sharp gender differences.· Potentially the hermaphrodite dissolves gender difference and, at least in its associated idea of androgyny, has become acceptable.· Why are there such gender differences?· Another issue, as yet little studied or confronted, is that of gender differences in access to education and achievement at school.· Federman said this gender difference is consistent with that in the general public.· In contrast, Piaroa minimize gender differences and maintain the same normative code of non-violent behaviour for both males and females.· The gender differences explored here are social constructions that have had influence in certain mainstream discourses.
VERB· Limited specifications in automatic exposure and focusing will disappoint photography buffs, though few would detect tangible differences in the average snapshot.· Just like your language instructor, they can detect the slight differences between certain speech sounds that adults will insist are identical.· This lateral line system enables the fish to detect differences of pressure in the water.· Rex was taking the water temperature three times a day, but it did not need his thermometer to detect the difference.· Many previous studies have sought risk factors retrospectively in the context of trials designed primarily to detect a difference between antiulcer treatments.· Such a person would end up with a few very large schemata and would be unable to detect differences in things.· A partner may not detect the difference and the woman herself may be confused.· He never detected any difference in speed, no matter how far apart the hills he and his assistants climbed.
· To explain the difference between the two structures, they are placed in a realistic context.· This may explain the major difference between men and women when it comes to reading and reacting to others.· Other risk factors, not related to ethnicity, probably explain remaining differences between Maori and non-Maori children.· Political socialization research attempts to explain how such differences in political beliefs can occur.· This could also explain the difference in biliary lipid secretion rate between the two groups.· This paper seeks to describe and explain observed grade differences in sickness absence.· The doctors must be called to explain their differences.· The first is that enormous amounts of professional time and effort will be absorbed in explaining apparent differences between classes and schools.
· And some day we all have to find out the difference between romance and real life.· Past research has looked at how the age of puberty affects subsequent risk of problems and found sharp gender differences.· We found a significant difference in the antral mucosal peptic activity before and after treatment.· He found no difference in employment levels.· We found no differences between the sexes, and age did not significantly influence the concentrations of laminin.· Three studies found no difference between those taking beta carotene supplements and those on a placebo pill.· Once we distinguished between party supporters and uncommitted voters we found no consistent differences between voters with different viewing habits.· And many women who have had surgical removal of the ovaries find that the difference in desire can be quite sudden.
· It was indeed hierarchical: both in theory and practice it made a great difference where a man was born.· It makes no difference at all.· But it doesn't seem to make any difference.· Such programs can make a big difference for the students they serve.· I thought it would make a difference being a Mrs but it didn't.· I think that makes a difference.· Separating the eggs makes all the difference.· Relationships even make a difference with animals, it seems.
· The debate was to mark a lasting difference between East and West.· We were drawn together partly be-cause of, not in spite of, the marked differences in our personalities.· The basic convention underlying all fiction marks its difference from fact.· This isolation, like the isolation in terrestrial evolution, breeds variety and marked differences.· Bands lack formal leaders, so there are no marked economic differences or disparities in status among their members.· That is what marks the enormous valuational difference between organisms and persons.· Perhaps this marks the single biggest difference between Marxist Socialism, and Empirical Socialism as it is now practised.
· Try comparing a plucked note on a violin and on a mandolin and you will certainly notice the difference.· Have you noticed any difference in the service you get from Washington bureaucrats during the last two weeks of December?· The deal would create Britain's largest independent broadcasting group, but both companies say the viewer shouldn't notice any difference.· They are so certain of their theories and experience that they are unable to notice individual differences.· You will soon notice the difference if you make a sudden switch between the two.· He was too drunk to notice the difference.· Friday Haven't noticed any difference so far this year.· I want my children to notice differences in language, too.
· It also highlights significant regional variations, possibly reflecting a marked difference in schools' approach to discipline.· We think what this reflects is an honest difference of opinion about business decisions.· The split reflected a portentous difference of approach within the Party.· With older children, the issues are more complex and may truly reflect differences in male and female attitudes.· This variation in signal intensity may reflect the differences in the cell density of tissues that express the gene.· Expressions of power often reflect honest differences between people seeking to achieve their work-related objectives.· Tenure differences may also reflect differences in lifestyle and attitudes.· The split reflects a difference of opinion simmering for months within the Republican Party.
· The way to resolve political differences is through debate, dialogue and the ballot box, not on the streets.· Your contribution may well resolve some of this difference or create more conflicting points for further argument.· When the two kings had resolved their differences, Dynamius sided firmly with Childebert.· I think we have differences, but we should attempt to resolve those differences.· This is because low-pitched sounds have long wavelengths which can not resolve the difference between closely spaced objects.· Efforts to resolve the differences were put off until this year.· However, they resolved those differences during final floor votes and afterward appeared together with Gov.· Melissa wondered what was passing though her mind and whether she and Rose had resolved their differences.
· Having settled her differences, she gave my hand a tentative lick.· Clearly, however, we are never going to settle our religious differences with respect to education through the political process.· It is that they are not talking because they see no way to settle their differences.· No Boston painter would have attempted to settle an aesthetic difference like Luks did when he punched Edmund Tarbell in the jaw.· But Lissovsky's biggest problem is to persuade the gangsters who frequent the club to settle their differences elsewhere.· We have to settle our differences and come together as one.· The warring sides finally came face-to-face at a meeting designed to help them settle their differences.· Finding nonviolent ways of settling differences between diverse groups of interests is the essence of democracy.
· The distribution of the payments likewise shows considerable differences between the sexes.· Perhaps if you get his attention, you could show him the difference between erotica and comedy.· A short table should suffice to show the differences.· With the exit polls Tuesday showing an unprecedented gender difference of 17 points, Clinton stretched the gap into a gulf.· The lunar samples show some striking differences from Earth rocks.· The drawing shows some other differences.· Despite this both Study 2 and Study 3 failed to show any significant differences between the ten junctions in recognition performance.· These showed no statistical difference in the concentrations of the various forms of gastrins between the different methods of sample preparation.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not make a blind bit of difference► bury the hatchet/bury your differences► sink your differences
- There is a difference of opinion between the chairman and the board as to the best way to handle the takeover.
- There were major differences of opinion over who should command the UN forces.
- And here lies a fundamental difference of opinion - how should a National Park operate?
- Despite these economically based differences of opinion, those passing initiative petitions claim to have found widespread public support.
- Has the case resulted in significant differences of opinion in the courts below?
- I just have a difference of opinion with Sen.
- Miss Diane died of a brain haemorrhage after a sharp difference of opinion with the producer about salary.
- Some difference of opinion exists as to the order of drugs to be administered.
- The split reflects a difference of opinion simmering for months within the Republican Party.
- There were also differences of opinion about the degree of malice involved.
- These are children's book reviews with a difference - the children are writing the reviews.
- A recording set up with a difference.
- All silent as before, but with a difference.
- Feminists encounter similar problems in dealing with differences between subjects.
- He brings his own troubled son along, and the pattern repeats, though with a difference.
- So the man laid a foot rule on the table in front of him-but a foot rule with a difference.
- They decided to open a health food store-but a health food store with a difference.
- Voice over Read in studio A pub with a difference has just opened in Herefordshire.
- A real expectation that an opinion will be respected, make a difference.
- But so far, they have not found enough illegal or incorrect votes to make a difference in the DornanSanchez contest.
- Detailed costing can make the difference between an excellent idea and a ruinous one.
- I realized that she was right-and it made a difference.
- Norman Lear had a guiding vision, a belief in himself, a belief that he could make a difference.
- The more detailed analysis presented here therefore strongly suggests that the Home Support Project does make a difference.
- The World Health Report 1999: making a difference.
- Your prayers could make the difference, affecting the final outcome.
- But it makes no difference to Spiderglass what you call yourself.
- That does not mean it makes no difference to social welfare which rules we settle upon.
- By looking to the Bible and seeking spiritual guidance, he is taking steps to reconcile our differences.
- Despite our differences, I had no need or desire to slam the new administration.
- If our needs conflict I am certainly ready to explore our differences and I may be prepared to compromise.
- In recent weeks the two groups had buried their differences to stage joint armed protests across the country.
- So do you think that we could put our differences aside for just one evening?
- We discussed our differences and agreed to call an armistice.
- When you are weighing up which lender to go to for your loan, you ignore their differences at your peril.
- As soon as the meeting began, however, irreconcilable differences emerged.
- The principal advocates of the works, however, often present irreconcilable differences in both interpretation and methods of advocacy.
- The subjective nature of measuring program effectiveness may lead to irreconcilable differences between the review staff and program management.
- They want us to believe irreconcilable differences are the reason she filed for divorce?
- The same difference of sense recurs in the following: 79.
- The same differences are evident in pay disparity, which is greatest at doctoral universities and the least at four-year colleges.
- But whether the parent with the yellow flowers supplies the egg or the pollen makes not the slightest difference.
- I tried closing my eyes; it made not the slightest difference.
- There was now not the slightest doubt that Hsu was decaying and losing her structural integrity.
- Their offer is only about $500 dollars less than we're asking, so we'll probably just split the difference.
- Even those who attempt to split the difference are not too fussy about where the line is drawn.
- Now let me see if I can split the difference.
- Ross proposed that they split the difference and suggested a date in 1998.
- We decided that I would live and split the difference between then and a projected now.
- But there is, indeed, still a wide gap in the use of flexibility.
- But when the national polls are a wide gap, the country is pretty likely to follow.
- Just as there may be a wide variation in the inputs, so may the outputs vary.
- Solids exhibit a wide variation in rigidity.
- The second column also shows that there is a wide variation between regions in the proportion of exports to foreign debt.
- There is a wide difference between promise and performance.
- Waiting time by specialty is meaningless as it conceals a wide variation among consultants' clinics.
- Within the general waste type shown in these figures exists a wide variation.
WORD FAMILYnoundifferencedifferentiationverbdifferdifferentiateadjectivedifferentadverbdifferently
1[countable, uncountable] a way in which two or more people or things are not like each other OPP similaritydifference between There’s a big difference between knowing that something is true, and being able to prove it. There is very little difference between the parties on green issues. Do children know the difference between right and wrong?difference in Researchers found a number of important differences in the way boys and girls learn. There’s a world of difference (=there’s a very big difference) between being alone and being lonely.2[singular, uncountable] the amount by which one thing is greater or smaller than anotherdifference in age/size etc There’s not much difference in price. There’s a five-hour time difference between London and New York. → split the difference at split1(9)3make a/the difference to have an important effect or influence on something or someone: Whatever she did, it made no difference.difference to One more person wouldn’t make any difference to the arrangements.difference between It could make the difference between missing your train and getting to work on time. Having a good teacher has made all the difference for Alex (=had an important influence).4it makes no difference to somebody used to say that it does not matter to someone which thing happens, is chosen etc: Morning or afternoon. It makes no difference to me.5our/your/their differences disagreements: We’ve had our differences in the past.settle/resolve your differences (=agree not to argue anymore)6difference of opinion a slight disagreement: There have been some differences of opinion as to exactly how the money should be spent.7with a difference informal used to describe something which is interesting or unusual, especially in a good way: an adventure holiday with a differenceCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + differencea big/major/huge difference· I think you’ll notice a big difference.an important/significant/crucial difference· A study of the two groups of students showed a significant difference.a slight/small/minor difference· There’s only a slight difference between the male and the female bird.a marked/dramatic difference (=very noticeable)· There was a marked difference between the two sets of results.a subtle difference (=not obvious)· There’s a subtle difference in flavour between these coffees.an essential/fundamental difference (=a very basic one)· The fundamental differences between the two sides slowly emerged.cultural/political/regional etc differences· the major cultural differences between the west and the eastclass differences (=between different classes of society)· People’s answers to the questions showed clear class differences.sex/gender differences (=between men and women)· gender differences in levels of criminalityindividual differences (=between one person and another)· We respect the children’s individual differences.verbsshow a difference· Our data showed considerable national differences.know the difference (=know how two things are different)· If you don’t know the difference between two words, your dictionary can help.can tell/see the difference (=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.notice a difference· She has noticed a dramatic difference in her energy levels.spot the difference (=see the difference)· It’s easy to spot the difference between real and imitation leather.THESAURUSdifference a detail, fact, or quality that makes one person or thing different from another: · We should think about the similarities between cultures, not the differences.difference between: · Try and spot the differences between these two pictures.· The difference between the two cheeses is that one is made from goat’s milk.difference in: · I don’t think there’s any difference in the way you pronounce these two words.know the difference: · He’s speaking Italian, not Spanish. Don’t you know the difference?contrast a very clear difference that you can easily see when you compare two things or people: contrast between something/somebody and something/somebody: · What surprised me was the contrast between Picasso’s early style and his later work.gap a big difference between two amounts, two ages, or two groups of people: gap between: · There’s a ten-year gap between Kay’s two children.· The gap between rich and poor is wider in the South than in the rest of the country.age/gender/income etc gap: · The age gap between us didn’t seem to matter until we decided to have children.gulf a very big difference and lack of understanding between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life: gulf between somebody and somebody: · More riots led to a growing gulf between the police and the communities in which they worked.bridge/cross the gulf (=improve understanding and communication): · The central problem was how to bridge the gulf between the warring factions of the party.disparity formal a big difference between two groups of people or things – use this especially when you think the difference is unfair or may cause problems: disparity between: · It is not easy to explain the disparity that still exists between the salaries of men and women.disparity in: · the disparity in wealth between the highest and the lowest employeesthe economic/income etc disparity: · The economic disparity between the area’s black and white citizens is a serious problem.