What does different mean?
Different is one of the most frequently used adjectives in English, describing things that are not the same as one another. It can point to a simple contrast between two items, distinguish several separate entities within a group, or, more loosely, signal that something is unusual or unconventional. Its grammatical behaviour attracts ongoing debate: traditionalists favour 'different from', British speakers commonly use 'different to', and American English tolerates 'different than', particularly when followed by a clause. Derived from the Latin verb differre, meaning 'to carry apart' or 'to differ', the word entered English via Old French in the late Middle English period. Because difference is central to comparison, description, and classification, 'different' appears across every register, from everyday conversation to academic writing. It pairs readily with intensifiers such as 'completely', 'entirely', and 'radically', making it a flexible and indispensable tool for expressing contrast and individuality in both speech and prose.
Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.
"Each of the three candidates offered a different vision for the company."
Commonly followed by 'from' in formal writing; 'to' (British) and 'than' (American) are widely accepted alternatives.
Distinct or separate; individually identifiable within a group.
"She keeps her work files in five different folders on her desktop."
Informal: unusual, novel, or out of the ordinary.
"He's always had a different way of solving problems."
Can function as a polite understatement for 'strange' or 'eccentric' in casual speech.
"Different than" is widely considered nonstandard in British English — but it's been in use since the 1700s, and even Fowler eventually softened his stance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of different
Different derives from the Latin adjective differens, the present participle of differre, meaning 'to carry apart, set apart, or differ', formed from dis- ('apart') and ferre ('to carry'). It passed into English through Old French during the late Middle English period. The same Latin root gives English a whole family of related words, including differ, difference, differentiate, and indifferent.
Related word forms
How different is actually used
In careful British usage, 'different from' is preferred over 'different to' or 'different than'; American English accepts all three, though 'different from' remains the most formal choice. The word carries a broadly neutral connotation, though phrases like 'a different kind of person' can imply either admiration for originality or mild disapproval of unconventionality depending on tone and context. In informal speech, 'different' can serve as an understated euphemism meaning 'odd' or 'eccentric'.
Easily confused with different
'Indifferent' means having no interest or concern, whereas 'different' means not the same; the negative prefix 'in-' changes the meaning entirely.