difference

dif•fer•ence

[[t]ˈdɪf ər əns, ˈdɪf rəns[/t]] n. v. -enced, -enc•ing

1) the state or relation of being different; dissimilarity

2) an instance or point of unlikeness or dissimilarity:

the differences in their behavior[/ex]

3) a significant change in or effect on a situation:

It made no difference what I said; nothing could persuade him[/ex]

4) a distinguishing characteristic; distinctive quality, feature, etc

5) the degree to which one person or thing differs from another

6) the act of distinguishing; discrimination; distinction

7) a disagreement in opinion

8) a dispute or quarrel

9) math. Math.

a) the amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another

b) (of a function f) an expression of the form f(x+h) −f(x)

10) a differentia

11) to cause or constitute a difference in or between; make different

12) to perceive the difference in or between; discriminate

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME (< AF) < L