adj.
Pronunciation: ' di-f ə rnt, ' di-f( ə -)r ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre
Date: 14th century
1 : partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : DISSIMILAR <could hardly be more different > ― often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to <small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery characters ― R. L. Stevenson> <vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago ― N. M. Pusey> <a very different situation to the ⋯ one under which we live ― Sir Winston Churchill>
2 : not the same: as a : DISTINCT < different age groups> b : VARIOUS < different members of the class> c : ANOTHER <switched to a different TV program>
3 : UNUSUAL , SPECIAL <she was different and superior>
– dif · fer · ent · ness noun
synonyms DIFFERENT , DIVERSE , DIVERGENT , DISPARATE , VARIOUS mean unlike in kind or character. DIFFERENT may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness < different foods>. DIVERSE implies both distinctness and marked contrast <such diverse interests as dancing and football>. DIVERGENT implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation <went on to pursue divergent careers>. DISPARATE emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility < disparate notions of freedom>. VARIOUS stresses the number of sorts or kinds <tried various methods>.
usage Numerous commentators have condemned different than in spite of its use since the 17th century by many of the best-known names in English literature. It is nevertheless standard and is even recommended in many handbooks when followed by a clause, because insisting on from in such instances often produces clumsy or wordy formulations. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common especially when it is followed by a noun or pronoun.