differs

IPA/ˈdɪf.ər/
KK[dˈɪfɚz]IPA/ˈdɪf.ɚ/

differs — verb

  • differspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • differses3rd person singular
  • differsing-ing form
  • differsedpast simple

1. when people or things differ from each other, they are not the same in appearanc

1.動詞不及物A2
釋義

when people or things differ from each other, they are not the same in appearance, nature, or qualities — for example, two sisters with different eye colours, or two cars with different engines.

例句

The twins look very similar, but their personalities differ in many important ways.

differ in [area/quality] — comparing two things

Andrés's cooking style differs greatly from his mother's, since he prefers spicier food.

同義詞
  • vary

    suggests changes within a range or across cases, not just between two items

  • contrast

    emphasises strong or obvious differences when placed side by side

反義詞
  • resemble

    focus on physical similarity

  • match

    exact correspondence in features or quality

文法句型

differ + from + noun/noun phrase

differ + in + noun phrase

用法筆記

Commonly used with 'from' to name what is being compared: 'A differs from B'. Use 'in' to describe the area of difference: 'They differ in size.' Use 'by' for measurable amounts: 'The two quotes differ by £200.'

常見錯誤

❌This dress differs that one in colour.
✅This dress differs from that one in colour.
💡'differ' is intransitive and cannot take a direct object; it always needs 'from' before the thing it is being compared with.
❌She differs with her sister in appearance.' (when comparing, not disagreeing).
✅She differs from her sister in appearance.
💡Use 'from' not 'with' when comparing traits or qualities.

2. when people differ about something, they have opinions that are not the same as

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

when people differ about something, they have opinions that are not the same as each other's, though they may or may not express this openly.

例句

The committee differed on whether to buy new computers or library books.

differ on [topic] — disagreeing about what to decide

Sade and her brother often differ about which TV shows are worth watching.

同義詞
  • disagree

    more direct and commonly used in everyday speech

  • dissent

    formal, often used in legal or official contexts

反義詞
  • agree

    have the same opinion

  • concur

    formal, agreeing after consideration

文法句型

differ + with + person

differ + about/on/over + topic

用法筆記

Use 'differ with' before a person ('differ with someone') and 'differ about/on/over' before a topic. This sense is often softer than 'disagree' — it can mean simply holding a different view rather than actively arguing. For stronger opposition, use 'dispute' or 'quarrel'.

常見錯誤

❌I differ him about the plan.
✅I differ with him about the plan.
💡'differ' needs 'with' before the person you disagree with.
❌We differ the proposal.
✅We differ on the proposal.
💡'differ' cannot take a direct object; use a preposition like 'on' or 'about' before the topic.