differ

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfə/

verb

[no object]
  • be unlike or dissimilar: the second set of data differed from the first tastes differ, especially in cars (as adjective differing) widely differing circumstances
  • disagree: he differed from his contemporaries in ethical matters

Phrases

agree to differ

cease to argue about something because neither party will compromise or be persuaded.

beg to differ

politely disagree.

Origin:

late Middle English (also in the sense 'put off, defer'): from Old French differer 'differ, defer', from Latin differre, from dis- 'from, away' + ferre 'bring, carry'. Compare with defer1

Do not confuse differ with defer. Differ means 'be different' ( our tastes differ, especially in cars), whereas defer means 'put something off until later' ( I deferred the decision until May).