different

One entry found for different.

Main Entry: ¹dif·fer·ent
Pronunciation: 'di-f&rnt, 'di-f(&-)r&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre
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.