If two people or things are different, they are not like each other in one or more ways.
London was different from most European capitals. [+ from]
If he'd attended music school, how might things have been different?
We have totally different views.
Synonyms: dissimilar, opposed, contrasting, changed More Synonyms of different
In British English, people sometimes say that one thing is different to another. Some people consider this use to be incorrect.
My approach is totally different to his. [+ to]
People sometimes say that one thing is different than another. This use is often considered incorrect in British English, but it is acceptable in American English.
We're not really any different than they are. [+ than]
...a style of advertising that's different than the rest of the country.
differentlyadverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed]
Every individual learns differently.
One made the point that boys are treated very differently from girls.
The skeleton consists of differently shaped bones held together by ligaments.
[Also + from]
Synonyms: inconsistently, erratically, unevenly, idiosyncratically More Synonyms of different
Synonyms: dissimilarly, otherwise, in another way, in contrary fashion More Synonyms of different
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use different to indicate that you are talking about two or more separate and distinct things of the same kind.
Different countries specialised in different products.
The number of calories in different brands of drinks varies enormously.
Synonyms: various, some, many, several More Synonyms of different
3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
You can describe something as different when it is unusual and not like others of the same kind.
This recipe is certainly interesting and different.
More Synonyms of different
different in British English
(ˈdɪfərənt, ˈdɪfrənt)
adjective
1.
partly or completely unlike
2.
not identical or the same; other
he always wears a different tie
3.
out of the ordinary; unusual
▶ USAGE The constructions different from, different to, and different than are all found in the works of writers of English during the past. Nowadays, however,the most widely acceptable preposition to use after different is from. Different to is common in British English, but is considered by some people to be incorrect, orless acceptable. Different than is a standard construction in American English, and has the advantage of concisenesswhen a clause or phrase follows, as in this result is only slightly different than in the US. As, however, this idiom is not regarded as totally acceptable in British usage,it is preferable either to use different from: this result is only slightly different from that obtained in the US or to rephrase the sentence: this result differs only slightly from that in the US
Derived forms
differently (ˈdifferently)
adverb
differentness (ˈdifferentness)
noun
different in American English
(ˈdɪfərənt; ˈdɪfrənt)
adjective
1.
not alike; dissimilar
with from, or, esp. informally, than, and, in Brit. usage, to
2.
not the same; distinct; separate; other
3.
various
4.
unlike most others; unusual
SYNONYMY NOTE: different, applied to things that are not alike, implies individuality [three different doctors] or contrast [the twins wore different hats]; diverse more emphatically sets apart the things referred to, suggesting a conspicuous difference[diverse interests]; divergent suggests a branching off in different directions with an ever-widening distance between,and stresses irreconcilability [divergent schools of thought]; distinct, as applied to two or more things, stresses that each has a different identity andis unmistakably separate from the others, whether or not they are similar in kind,class, etc. [charged with two distinct offenses]; dissimilar stresses absence of similarity in appearance, properties, or nature [dissimilar techniques]; disparate implies essential or thoroughgoing difference, often stressing an absence of anyrelationship between things [disparate concepts]; various emphasizes the number and diversity of kinds, types, etc. [various gifts]
OPPOSITES: alike, similar
Derived forms
differently (ˈdifferently)
adverb
differentness (ˈdifferentness)
noun
Word origin
ME < OFr < L differens: see difference
More idioms containing
different
march to a different drummer
a different kettle of fish
different strokes for different folks
sing a different tune
Examples of 'different' in a sentence
different
We used different pitches on different days during the week.
The Sun (2016)
We were a double act yet also two very different people.
The Sun (2016)
You can always improve in different aspects.
The Sun (2016)
Too many people were saying too many different things.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now we are going to imagine two different futures.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The other manufacturers are doing the same thing but using different technologies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are lots of very different ones.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Twitter would have been a totally different proposition.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In doing so they found that, just as in forests on land, there were distinct choruses at different times of the day.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
When he tried to block the calls she used different numbers to contact him.
The Sun (2016)
Why should some people have different nutritional requirements from others?
Chaitow, Leon Bad Breath (1994)
You want to make each brand as different and distinct as possible.
Al Ries and Laura Ries THE 22 IMMUTABLE LAWS OF BRANDING (2002)
The job description is the same but the performance is always different.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Our verbal message will ring hollow if an aspect of the medium potentially says something different.
Christianity Today (2000)
Family in two different countries could share luck.
The Sun (2008)
Mum was telling me all the different things to use to aid my recovery.
The Sun (2010)
You have a completely different picture when it is wet.
The Sun (2011)
The present case was one of wholly different complexion.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You see trees in a totally different perspective.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Would she be a different kind of mother from her own?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The courts were always slightly different here.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Just a rather different way of saying it.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It probably means a mix of lots of different things for different people.
Ingham, Christine Life Without Work (1994)
You can be covering completely different geographical places during a career.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The box being different from one you would get from a normal pharmacy is a clue.
The Sun (2009)
They are kept apart and we organised totally different practice times.
The Sun (2008)
Instead different emotions use different combinations of brain systems.
Claudia Hammond EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings (2005)
The latter are generally used when you want to leave your capital and income to different people.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
So you have to grow two different varieties then get out riddles and take out bands in the middle.
Joanna Blythman SHOPPED: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets (2004)
So we have the opportunity to build new business models that are very different and distinct from what we have known.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Quotations
And now for something completely differentMonty Python's Flying Circus
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummerHenry David ThoreauWalden
In other languages
different
British English: different /ˈdɪfərənt; ˈdɪfrənt/ ADJECTIVE
If two things are different, they are not like each other.
The crayons were all in different colours.
American English: different
Arabic: مُخْتَلِف
Brazilian Portuguese: diferente
Chinese: 不同的
Croatian: različit
Czech: rozdílný
Danish: forskellig
Dutch: verschillend
European Spanish: diferente
Finnish: erilainen
French: différent
German: verschieden
Greek: διαφορετικός
Italian: differente
Japanese: 違う
Korean: 다른
Norwegian: forskjellig
Polish: różny inny
European Portuguese: diferente
Romanian: diferit
Russian: различный
Latin American Spanish: diferente
Swedish: annorlunda
Thai: ต่างกัน
Turkish: farklı
Ukrainian: різний
Vietnamese: khác nhau
All related terms of 'different'
different way
If you refer to a way of doing something, you are referring to how you can do it, for example the action you can take or the method you can use to achieve it.
different form
A form of something is a type or kind of it.
different idea
An idea is a plan , suggestion , or possible course of action.
different name
The name of a person, place, or thing is the word or group of words that is used to identify them.
different path
A path that you take is a particular course of action or way of achieving something.
different place
A place is any point, building, area, town, or country.
different shape
The shape of an object, a person, or an area is the appearance of their outside edges or surfaces, for example whether they are round , square , curved , or fat .
different side
A particular side of something such as a situation or someone's character is one aspect of it.
different size
The size of something is how big or small it is. Something's size is determined by comparing it to other things, counting it, or measuring it.
different sort
If you talk about a particular sort of something, you are talking about a class of things that have particular features in common and that belong to a larger group of related things.
different than
People sometimes say that one thing is different than another. This use is acceptable in American English, but is often considered incorrect in British English.
different thing
You can use thing to refer to any object, feature , or event when you cannot, need not, or do not want to refer to it more precisely .
different view
Your views on something are the beliefs or opinions that you have about it, for example whether you think it is good, bad , right , or wrong .
different approach
Your approach to a task , problem , or situation is the way you deal with it or think about it.
different location
A location is the place where something happens or is situated .
different person
A person is a man, woman, or child .
different planet
A planet is a large, round object in space that moves around a star . The Earth is a planet.
different reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
a different story
You use a different story to refer to a situation , usually a bad one, which exists in one set of circumstances when you have mentioned that it does not exist in another set of circumstances.
different challenge
A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination .
different languages
A language is a system of communication which consists of a set of sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or region for talking or writing .
different personality
Your personality is your whole character and nature .
different perspective
A particular perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by your beliefs or experiences.
sing a different tune
to express ideas or opinions which are in complete contrast to the ones which you were expressing a short time ago
different strokes for different folks
said to mean that people are different, and that some individuals or groups have different needs and wants from others
a different kettle of fish
If you say that something is a different kettle of fish , you mean that it is very different from another related thing that you are talking about.
march to a different drummer
to act in accordance with beliefs or expectations which are different from those of your colleagues or friends
another matter/a different matter
If you say that something is another matter or a different matter , you mean that it is very different from the situation that you have just discussed .
as different as chalk and cheese
If you say that two people or things are like chalk and cheese , you are emphasizing that they are completely different from each other.
a new ball game
a situation that has changed so much that people will have to change the way they deal with it or consider it
cup of tea
a favorite or well-suited thing, activity, etc.
horse of another color
an entirely different matter
a horse of another colour
a completely different topic , argument , etc
Chinese translation of 'different'
different
(ˈdɪfrənt)
adj
(= not the same) 不同的 (bù tóng de)
(= unusual) 不同寻(尋)常的 (bù tóng xúncháng de)
different from与(與) ... 不同 (yǔ ... bù tóng)
different to or (US) than与(與) ... 不同 (yǔ ... bù tóng)
Her inexperience is at odds with the tale she tells.
inconsistent
The outburst was inconsistent with the image he had cultivated.
disparate
Scientists are trying to pull together disparate ideas.
deviating
divergent
two people who have divergent views
at variance
discrepant
streets apart
2 (adjective)
Different countries specialise in different products.
Synonyms
various
The methods employed are many and various.
some
many
He had many books and papers on the subject.
several
one of several failed attempts
varied
a varied range of dishes suitable for vegetarians
numerous
Such crimes were just as numerous then as they are today.
She made numerous attempts, but could never beat the world record.
diverse
shops selling a diverse range of gifts
divers (archaic)
assorted
swimsuits, sizes 12-18, in assorted colours
miscellaneous
a hoard of miscellaneous junk
sundry
manifold (formal)
The difficulties are manifold.
multifarious
a composite of multifarious religions and people
3 (adjective)
Definition
new or unusual
Try to think of a menu that is interesting and different.
Synonyms
unusual
rare and unusual plants
unique
The area has its own unique language, Catalan.
special
I usually reserve these outfits for special occasions.
strange
There was something strange about the flickering blue light.
rare
I think big families are extremely rare nowadays.
extraordinary
What an extraordinary thing to happen!
bizarre
That book you lent me is really bizarre.
distinctive
the distinctive odour of chlorine
something else
peculiar
She has a very peculiar sense of humour.
uncommon
Certain types of flu are uncommon.
singular
He was without doubt a singular character.
unconventional
He was known for his unconventional behaviour.
out of the ordinary
Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary about him?
left-field (informal)
atypical
The economy of the province was atypical because it was so small.
4 (adjective)
Definition
not identical or the same
What you do in the privacy of your own home is a different matter.
Synonyms
other
another
separate
We both live our separate lives.
individual
It was all part of her very individual personality.
distinct
The book is divided into two distinct parts.
unrelated
Two of them died from entirely unrelated causes.
discrete
the process seen as a sequence of discrete phases
Usage note
On the whole, different from is preferable to different to and different than, both of which are considered unacceptable by some people. Different to is often heard in British English, but is thought by some people to be incorrect; and different than, though acceptable in American English, is often regarded as unacceptable in British English. This makes different from the safest option: this result is only slightly different from that obtained in the US – or you can rephrase the sentence: this result differs only slightly from that obtained in the US.
Quotations
And now for something completely different [Monty Python's Flying Circus]If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer [Henry David Thoreau – Walden]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assorted
Definition
consisting of various kinds mixed together
swimsuits, sizes 12-18, in assorted colours
Synonyms
various,
different,
mixed,
varied,
diverse,
diversified,
miscellaneous,
sundry,
motley,
variegated,
manifold (formal),
heterogeneous
in the sense of at odds
Definition
at variance
Her inexperience is at odds with the tale she tells.
Synonyms
at variance,
conflicting,
contrary to,
at odds,
out of line,
out of step,
at sixes and sevens (informal),
not in keeping,
out of harmony
in the sense of atypical
Definition
not typical
The economy of the province was atypical because it was so small.