difference

Middle English

/ˈdifɛrɛns(ə)/

noun
Definitions
  • Difference; the state of being different.
  • A difference; an element which separates.
  • Distinguishment; the finding or creation of dissimilarity.
  • (heraldry) A heraldic cadency for a family's junior branch.
  • (mathematics) The result of subtraction; an amount left over.
  • (mathematics) An order in decimal representation of numbers.
  • (rare) Something that people do not agree upon.

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French difference derived from Latin differēntia affix from Middle English differren (postpone, refer for judgement).

Origin

Middle English

differren

Gloss

postpone, refer for judgement

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms