DictionaryAI

different

DIF-uh-ruhnt/ˈdɪ.fə.ɹənt/

5 meanings of different

Practice

  1. 1
    not the sameadjective
    Not the same as another person or thing.

    Like two socks that don't match.

    My shoes are different from yours.

    These two books tell very different stories.

    UsageSay different from; different than is common in American English.

    Similardissimilar, contrasting, divergent, distinct, unlike

    Oppositesame, identical

  2. 2
    adjective
    Separate and not the same one. Of many kinds, as in 'six different people'.

    Like a box of crayons full of many colors.

    The store sells candy in many different flavors.

    We played lots of different games at the party.

    Similardistinct, various, diverse, separate, varied

    Oppositesame

  3. 3
    unusualadjective
    Not like most others, strange or special in some way.

    Like the one tree in a yard that stands out from all the rest.

    My sister wears bright purple boots because she likes to be different.

    My new neighbor is a little different, but I really like him.

    UsageIt's different can be a polite way to avoid saying you like something.

    Similarunusual, abnormal, bizarre, anomalous, curious

    Oppositeordinary, normal, common

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    in another wayadverbcolloquial
    In a way that is not the same.

    She sings the song different from the way I do.

    They build houses different out in the countryside.

    UsageIn formal writing, use differently.

    Oppositesimilarly, alike

    Note
  2. 5
    noun
    In advanced math, a special set used to measure how two number systems fit together.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of different apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through Old French from Latin differēns, meaning 'differing', which is linked to the word differ.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts