differ Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb be different
- These two tests differ in only one respect
verb be of different opinions
dissent; disagree; take issue.
- I beg to differ!
- She disagrees with her husband on many questions

L. differre; dif- = dis- + ferre to bear, carry: cf. F. différer. See 1st Bear, and cf. Defer, Delay.

imperfect & past participle Differed ; present participle & verbal noun Differing

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

To cause to be different or unlike; to set at variance. R.
But something 'ts that differs thee and me. Cowley.