differ

/ˈdɪfə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪfər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdi-fər/ (ame, mw)

differ — verb

  • differpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • differshe / she / it
  • differedpast simple
  • differing-ing form

1. To not be the same as someone or something else in appearance, quality, or chara

1.動詞不及物A2
釋義

To not be the same as someone or something else in appearance, quality, or character.

例句

Aoi's cooking style differs a lot from her mother's traditional recipes.

differ + from + noun phrase

The two phone models differ only in the size of their screens.

differ + in + noun phrase

同義詞
  • vary

    focuses on range of difference across a set, not just two items

  • contrast

    emphasises strong or deliberate comparison of differences

  • diverge

    suggests moving apart from a shared starting point

反義詞
  • match

    exact correspondence in all relevant features

  • resemble

    being similar or alike in appearance

文法句型

differ + from + noun/noun phrase

differ + in + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

Subject can be one thing compared to another (X differs from Y) or two things compared together (X and Y differ). The preposition from is standard; avoid to or than.

常見錯誤

❌This phone differs to that one in colour.
✅This phone differs from that one in colour.
💡The correct preposition after differ is from, not to.
❌She differs than me on this issue.
✅She differs from me on this issue.
💡Use from, not than, after differ.

2. To hold a different opinion from someone else, particularly in a discussion or f

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

To hold a different opinion from someone else, particularly in a discussion or formal situation.

例句

Imani and her boss differ on the best way to market the new product.

differ + on + topic

The two experts differ over the cause of the economic crisis.

differ + over + topic

同義詞
  • disagree

    more direct and common; less formal than differ

  • dissent

    formal, often used in legal or official contexts

  • object

    expresses opposition to a specific point rather than general disagreement

反義詞
  • agree

    to share the same opinion

  • concur

    formal synonym for agree

文法句型

differ + with + person

differ + on/about/over + topic

用法筆記

More formal and polite than disagree. Common in academic, professional, and diplomatic contexts. The phrase agree to differ is a fixed expression used when both sides accept their disagreement without further argument.

常見錯誤

❌I differ to you about that decision.
✅I differ with you about that decision.
💡When stating disagreement with a person, use with, not to.
❌They differ each other on politics.
✅They differ with each other on politics.
💡The preposition with is required before the person or group.