Different
/ˈdɪfərənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot the same as another or each other; distinct.
/ˈdɪfərənt/
Not the same as another or each other
We have different ideas about how to solve the problem.
💡 Simply: When things are different, they are not alike. Imagine you have two toys: a red car and a blue car. They're different because they have different colors.
👶 For kids: Not the same as something else.
More Examples
She comes from a different background than I do.
The two paintings had different styles, one modern and one classical.
How It's Used
"The two cars have different colors."
"The experiment produced different results under various conditions."
Not the usual or ordinary; unusual or unique.
/ˈdɪfərənt/
Not the usual or ordinary; unusual
He has a different perspective on the situation.
💡 Simply: When something is different in this way, it means it stands out from what is normal. Like, if you decide to eat pizza for breakfast, that would be a different start to your day.
👶 For kids: Not what you usually see or do.
More Examples
The new restaurant offers a different culinary experience.
She wore a different outfit to the party than anyone else.
How It's Used
"She has a different way of approaching problems."
"The artist's work had a different style."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
different strokes for different folks
Used to say that different people like different things.
"I don't enjoy spicy food, but my friend loves it. Different strokes for different folks!"
From Middle English *different*, from Old French *diferent*, from Latin *differenti* (“being different, differing”), present participle of *differre* (“to differ”).
The word 'different' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to mean 'differing' or 'distinct'.
Memory tip
Think of two things that aren't twins. They're DIFFERENT!
Word Origin
"to differ, to carry apart"