D — Diecian to Difficult (Part 3 of 6)

Differ
(Dif"fer) v. i. [imp. & p. p. Differed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Differing.] [L. differre; dif- = dis- + ferre to bear, carry: cf. F. différer. See 1st Bear, and cf. Defer, Delay.]

1. To be or stand apart; to disagree; to be unlike; to be distinguished; — with from.

One star differeth from another star in glory.

1 Cor. xv. 41.

Minds differ, as rivers differ.

Macaulay.

2. To be of unlike or opposite opinion; to disagree in sentiment; — often with from or with.

3. To have a difference, cause of variance, or quarrel; to dispute; to contend.

We 'll never differ with a crowded pit.

Rowe.

Syn. — To vary; disagree; dissent; dispute; contend; oppose; wrangle. — To Differ with, Differ from. Both differ from and aiffer with are used in reference to opinions; as, "I differ from you or with you in that opinion."" In all other cases, expressing simple unlikeness, differ from is used; as, these two persons or things differ entirely from each other.

Severely punished, not for differing from us in opinion, but for committing a nuisance.

Macaulay.

Davidson, whom on a former occasion we quoted, to differ from him.

M. Arnold.

Much as I differ from him concerning an essential part of the historic basis of religion.

Gladstone.

I differ with the honorable gentleman on that point.

Brougham.

If the honorable gentleman differs with me on that subject, I differ as heartily with him, and shall always rejoice to differ.

Canning.

Differ
(Dif"fer), v. t. To cause to be different or unlike; to set at variance. [R.]

But something 'ts that differs thee and me.

Cowley.

Difference
(Dif"fer*ence) n. [F. différence, L. differentia.]

1. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?

Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.

1 Cor. xii. 5.

2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.

What was the difference? It was a contention in public.

Shak.

Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could.

T. Ellwood.

3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.

The marks and differences of sovereignty.

Davies.