Meaning & use

difference between

phrase·Academic

Used to ask about or explain how two people, things, or ideas are not the same.

See it in a sentence

Can you explain the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

The difference between success and failure often comes down to persistence.

A note on using this word

Followed by 'between X and Y'; when comparing something to a single reference point, English instead uses 'different from.'

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

similarity between

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “difference between”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.