Meaning & use
differs
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“differs” is a form of “differ”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Is not the same as something else; shows a difference from another thing.
Grammar: No object; the other thing comes after from: My view differs from yours.
Patterns
- differ from something
- differ in something
- differ between people
Her answer differs from mine in one small detail.
The two recipes differ only in the amount of sugar.
Opinions differ about the best way to learn grammar.
verbintransitive
Disagrees with someone about something.
Grammar: No object; use with with before the person: I differ with you on this point.
Patterns
- differ with someone
- differ with someone on something
I differ with my brother on how to spend the money.
The two scientists differ with each other about the results.
Word forms
| base form | differ |
|---|---|
| third person singular | differs |
| past tense | differed |
| past participle | differed |
| -ing form | differing |
Common combinations
- differ from
- This phone differs from the older model in size.
- differ in
- The twins differ in height but not in character.
- differ greatly
- Costs differ greatly between cities.
- tastes differ
- Tastes differ, so pick a design you like.
- opinions differ
- Opinions differ on whether the change was fair.
Synonyms and how they differ
- vary
- Use 'vary' when things change or range over time or between cases; 'differ' simply states that two things are not the same.
- disagree
- 'Disagree' fits best for people holding different opinions; 'differ' is more neutral and also works for objects and data.
Opposites
Word family
- differ verb
- The base verb meaning to be unlike something else.
- difference noun
- The quality of being unlike, or the amount by which things are unlike.
- different adjective
- Not the same as another thing or person.
- differently adverb
- In another way; not in the same manner.
Commonly confused: differs or defer? differs or different?
differs vs defer
'Defer' means to delay something or to respect someone's wishes; 'differ' is only about being unlike or disagreeing.
differs vs different
'Different' is an adjective used before a noun or after 'be'; 'differs' is a verb and needs a subject that does the differing.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'differs' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Differ from' is the standard pattern for comparing things, so 'differs from yours' is correct. 'Differ with' is used for disagreeing with a person, not for comparing two things, and 'to' and 'of' do not follow 'differ' in this meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “differs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.