English Profile

difference · noun

/ˈdɪf.rəns/Full view

Word family

Nouns: difference, indifference, differential

Adjectives: different, indifferent, differential

Verbs: differ, differentiate

Adverbs: differently

difference (WAY)

A2 C or U the way in which two people or things are not the same

Dictionary example:

What's the difference between an ape and a monkey?

Learner example:

I will not find the same one and of course John will notice the difference. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

difference (AMOUNT)

B1 C or U the amount by which one thing is different from another

Dictionary examples:

a(n) age/price/temperature difference

There's a big difference in age between them.

Learner example:

This age difference was too big! (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

make a (big) difference ()

B2 to improve a situation (a lot)

Dictionary example:

Exercise can make a big difference to your health.

Learner example:

It wouldn't make a big difference in my life, but it would be good. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

make no difference/not make any difference ()

B2 to not be important or change a situation

Dictionary examples:

You can ask him again if you like, but it won't make any difference - he'll still say no.

It makes no difference where you put the antenna, the radio still loses the signal.

Learner example:

Does it make any difference, some might ask? (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

tell the difference ()

C1 to notice a difference between two things

Dictionary example:

I can't tell the difference between an American and a Canadian accent.

Learner example:

Not only will their critical sen[s]e atrophy but also they will not be able to tell the difference between what is right and wrong. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

difference (DISAGREEMENT)

C2 C a disagreement or different opinion

Dictionary example:

They must try to resolve their differences peacefully.

Learner example:

Music has also the power to unite people, to make them forget their negative feelings and to make them forget their differences. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)