I. ˈdi-fərnt, ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt 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.
II. adverb
Date: 1744
: differently