difference

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪf(ə)r(ə)ns/

noun

  • 1a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar: the differences between men and women
  • [mass noun] the state or condition of being dissimilar: their difference from one another
  • a quantity by which amounts differ; the remainder left after subtraction of one value from another: the insurance company will pay the difference
  • Heraldry an alteration in a coat of arms to distinguish members or branches of a family.
  • 2a disagreement, quarrel, or dispute: the couple are patching up their differences

verb

[with object] Heraldry
  • alter (a coat of arms) to distinguish members or branches of a family.

Phrases

make a (or no) difference

have a significant effect (or no effect) on a person or situation: the Act will make no difference to my business

with a difference

having a new or unusual feature or treatment: a fashion show with a difference

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin differentia (see differentia)