[dif.fer.ent] adj [MF, fr. L different-, differens, prp. of differre] (14c) 1: partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality: dissimilar "could hardly be more ~"--often followed by from, than, or chiefly Brit. to "small, neat hand, very ~ from the captain's tottery characters --R. L. Stevenson" "vastly ~ in size than it was twenty-five years ago --N. M. Pusey" "a very ~ situation to the ... one under which we live --Sir Winston Churchill"
2: not the same: as a: distinct "~ age groups" b: various "~ members of the class" c: another "switched to a ~ TV program"
3: unusual, special "she was ~ and superior" -- dif.fer.ent.ness n syn 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. Different from, the generally safe choice, is more common and is even used in constructions where than would work more smoothly.
[2]different adv (1744): differently