Differ vs. Different

Attribute	Differ	Different
Definition	to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics	not the same as something else; distinct or separate
Usage	often used in formal or technical contexts	commonly used in everyday language
Origin	from Latin "differre" meaning "to set apart"	from Latin "differentem" meaning "to make different"
Examples	"The two species differ in size and color."	"The two paintings are different in style and subject matter."

Definition

Both "differ" and "different" are words that are commonly used in the English language, but they have distinct meanings and uses. "Differ" is a verb that means to be unlike or distinct from something else. It is often used to compare two or more things and highlight the ways in which they are not the same. On the other hand, "different" is an adjective that describes something as not being the same as something else. It is used to emphasize the uniqueness or distinctiveness of a particular thing or concept.

Usage

When it comes to usage, "differ" is typically used in sentences where a comparison is being made between two or more things. For example, you might say, "These two paintings differ in style and technique." On the other hand, "different" is used to describe a single thing or concept as being distinct from others. For instance, you could say, "The two paintings are different from each other in style and technique."

Form

In terms of form, "differ" is a verb that can be conjugated to match the subject of a sentence. It can be used in various tenses, such as present, past, and future. For example, you could say, "The two theories differ in their approach to the problem." On the other hand, "different" is an adjective that does not change form based on the subject of a sentence. It remains the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. For instance, you could say, "The two theories are different in their approach to the problem."

Emphasis

One key difference between "differ" and "different" is the emphasis they place on the comparison being made. When you use "differ," you are specifically highlighting the ways in which two or more things are not the same. This word emphasizes the contrast between the objects being compared. On the other hand, "different" focuses more on the uniqueness or distinctiveness of a single thing. It does not necessarily imply a direct comparison with something else.

Examples

• Sheila and Sarah differ in their opinions on the matter.
• The two sisters have different tastes in music.
• The two companies differ in their approach to customer service.
• The two restaurants offer different cuisines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "differ" and "different" are related in meaning, they have distinct attributes that set them apart in terms of usage, form, emphasis, and context. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in your writing and speech. By recognizing when to use "differ" for comparisons and "different" for uniqueness, you can convey your ideas with precision and clarity.