Definition of: difference

(dif′ər·əns, dif′rəns) noun
1. The state or quality of being other or unlike, or that in which two things are unlike; dissimilarity; variation.
2. A mark or peculiarity which distinguishes.
3. A disagreement in sentiment or opinion; controversy; quarrel.
4. A separate treatment; discrimination.
5. Math. The result obtained by subtracting one number from another.
6. Logic The specific difference; differentia.
7. In commerce, a margin that has become payable.
8. Her. A device in blazons to distinguish persons bearing the same arms.
—v.t. ·enced, ·enc·ing
1. To make or mark as different; distinguish; discriminate.
2. Her. To add a mark of difference to. Synonyms (noun): contrariety, contrast, disagreement, discrepancy, discrimination, disparity, dissimilarity, dissimilitude, distinction, divergence, diversity, inconsistency, inequality, unlikeness, variation. A difference is in the things compared; a discrimination is in our judgment of them; a distinction is in our definition or description or mental image of them. Careful discrimination of real differences results in clear distinctions. Disparity is stronger than inequality, implying that one thing falls far below another; as, the disparity of our achievements when compared with our ideals. Dissimilarity is between things sharply contrasted; there may be a difference between those almost alike. There is a discrepancy in accounts that fail to balance. Diversity involves more than two objects; variation is a difference in the condition or action of the same object at different times. Antonyms: agreement, consonance, harmony, identity, likeness, resemblance, sameness, similarity, uniformity, unity.