What is difference? Pronunciation and usage in English

difference means . Learn how to pronounce and use difference through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of difference

differencenoun

/ˈdɪf(ə)rəns/
Definition & pronunciation of difference

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "difference" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "difference" is typically broken down into three syllables:

  • dif - like "gift"
  • fer - like "fur"
  • ence - like "sense"

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using IPA – International Phonetic Alphabet - this is the most accurate):

  • dif: /dɪf/ (The “i” sounds like the “i” in “bit”)
  • fer: /ˈfɜr/ (The “er” sound is tricky – it's a short “uh” sound followed by the “r” sound. Think: "fur" but shorter and more relaxed)
  • ence: /ɪns/ (The “i” sounds like “in” as in “ink” and the “s” is soft, almost like “z”)

3. Putting it Together (approximately):

Di-fur-ens

4. A Helpful Guide & Tips:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: dif.
  • The "fer" sound: This is the culprit for many learners. It’s not like "fear." It’s a quick, almost swallowed “uh” sound followed by the "r" sound. Imagine you’re slightly hesitant.
  • The "ence" sound: This is a short “i” sound, like in the word “bit”.

5. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few resources:

To help me give you an even better explanation, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What specifically is tripping you up about the pronunciation? (e.g., the "fer" sound, the rhythm of the word)?

Usage and examples with the word difference in English

Let's break down how to use the word "difference" in English. It's a very versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. Basic Meaning: A Distinction or Contrast

  • Core Idea: This is the most common usage – it means a state of being unlike or not the same.

  • Examples:

    • “There’s a big difference between apples and oranges.” (They are distinct fruits.)
    • “What’s the difference between these two cars?” (You're asking for a comparison.)
    • “I couldn't understand the difference in his tone.” (He said things differently.)

2. Difference as a Noun (Referring to the thing being different)

  • Focus: Here, "difference" is the thing that’s distinct.

  • Examples:

    • “The difference in opinion was significant.” (The disagreement was important.)
    • “She made a huge difference in my life.” (Her actions greatly impacted her.)
    • “I noticed a small difference in the recipe.” (There was an alteration.)

3. Difference as a Verb (To Make a Difference)

  • Meaning: To have an effect or impact. It’s about causing a change.

  • Examples:

    • “Your support really makes a difference.” (Your support is helpful.)
    • “She tried to make a difference in the community.” (She wanted to change things.)
    • “Small actions can make a difference.” (Even little things can have an impact.)

4. Difference in (Prepositional Phrase - Showing Comparison)

  • Usage: This is used to highlight the aspect of something that’s different.

  • Examples:

    • “There’s a difference in the quality of the two brands.” (The quality is different between them.)
    • “I noticed a difference in his behavior.” (His behavior changed.)
    • “There is a difference in price for the premium model.” (The price is different for that model.)

5. Difference Between (Used in Comparisons)

  • Structure: "The difference between..." This is a very common phrase.

  • Examples:

    • “The difference between success and failure is often perseverance.”
    • “What’s the difference between you and your brother?”

6. Subtleties & Related Words

  • Significant Difference: A large or important difference.
  • Minor Difference: A small or unimportant difference.
  • Material Difference: A difference that matters or has real consequences.
  • Fundamental Difference: A basic or essential difference.
  • Difference of Opinion: Disagreement.
  • Difference of Viewpoint: A different way of seeing things.

Tips for Using "Difference" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "difference" depends entirely on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Comparison: "Difference" is often used to highlight similarities or dissimilarities.
  • Strong Verbs: Pairing "difference" with verbs like "make," "show," "reveal," or "highlight" can make your writing more dynamic.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "difference" in? (e.g., a sentence, a paragraph, a specific type of writing – like a report or essay?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're struggling to use it correctly?

Synonyms for the word difference

Idioms of the word difference

bury the hatchet | bury your differences
to stop not being friendly and become friends again
  • After not speaking to each other for years, the two brothers decided to bury the hatchet.
a distinction without a difference
a point that somebody wants to suggest is a difference when in fact it is not different at all
  • His government did not brand them terrorists, but rather ‘an entity that supports terrorism’. That may prove to be a distinction without a difference.
make all the difference (to somebody/something)
to have an important effect on somebody/something; to make somebody feel better
  • A few kind words at the right time make all the difference.
  • Just five minutes' exercise a day could make all the difference.
make a, no, some, etc. difference (to somebody/to something/in something)
to have an effect/no effect on somebody/something
  • The rain didn't make much difference to the game.
  • Your age shouldn't make any difference to whether you get the job or not.
  • Changing schools made a big difference to my life.
  • What difference will it make if he knows or not?
  • I don't think it makes a lot of difference what colour it is (= it is not important).
  • ‘Shall we go on Friday or Saturday?’ ‘It makes no difference (to me).’
same difference
(informal)used to say that you think the differences between two things are not important
  • ‘That's not a xylophone, it's a glockenspiel.’ ‘Same difference.’
sink your differences
to agree to forget about your disagreements
  • We need to sink our differences and present a united opposition to the plan.
split the difference
(figurative)(when discussing a price, etc.) to agree on an amount that is at an equal distance between the two amounts that have been suggested
  • I offered €200 but he wanted €300. In the end, we split the difference and I paid him €250.
  • I wanted to leave early and Ian wanted to leave late, so we split the difference and left at noon.
with a difference
(informal)used to show that something is interesting or unusual
  • The traditional backpack with a difference—it's waterproof.
  • If you want a holiday with a difference, come to Iceland.
a/the world of difference
(informal)used to emphasize how much difference there is between two things
  • There's a world of difference between liking someone and loving them.

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