Definition of: different

(dif′ər·ənt, dif′rənt) adjective
1. Not the same; distinct; other: A different clerk is there now.
2. Marked by a difference; completely or partly unlike; dissimilar.
3. Unusual. See synonyms under CONTRARY. [<F différent <L differens, -entis, ppr. of differre. See DIFFER.]
—dif′fer·ent·ly adverb
—dif′fer·ent·ness noun ◆ different from, than, to
In American usage, from is established as the idiomatic preposition to follow different; when, however, a clause follows the connective, than is gaining increasing acceptance: a result different than (= from that which or from what) had been expected. This last is established British usage, which also accepts to on a par with from: She is different to her sister.