Meaning & use

difference

noun·Academic

The result of subtracting one number from another.

See it in a sentence

The difference in the calculation 11 - 4 is 7.

Subtract the morning temperature from the afternoon temperature to find the difference.

A note on using this word

Order matters in subtraction: 4 - 11 is -7. In a phrase such as the difference between two lengths, the positive gap is often intended.

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.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A way in which things are not the same.

One difference between the bags is the number of pockets.

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