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differ

Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfə/
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Definition of differ

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).

differ in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of differ in the US English dictionary
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