Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Difference
Dif′fer-ence
,Noun.
[F.
différence
, L. differentia
.] 1.
The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation;
as, a
difference
of quality in paper; a difference
in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference
between the innocent and the guilty?Differencies
of administration, but the same Lord. 1 Cor. xii. 5.
2.
Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
What was the
difference
? It was a contention in public. Shakespeare
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their
difference
as they could. T. Ellwood.
3.
That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and
differences
of sovereignty. Davies.
4.
Choice; preference.
[Obs.]
That now he chooseth with vile
To be a beast, and lack intelligence.
difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Spenser.
5.
(Her.)
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See
Augmentation
, and Marks of cadency
, under Cadency
. 6.
(Logic)
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
7.
(Math.)
The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
Syn. – Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife.
Dif′fer-ence
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Differenced
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Differencing
.] To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest
difference
gods from men. Chapman.
Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not
differenced
from the meanest subject. Milton.
So completely
differenced
by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons. Sir W. Scott.
Webster 1828 Edition
Difference
DIFFERENCE
,Noun.
1.
The state of being unlike or distinct; distinction; disagreement; want of sameness; variation; dissimilarity. Difference may be total or partial, and exist in the nature and essence of things, in the form, the qualities or degrees. There is a difference in nature between animals and plants; a difference in form between the genera and species of animals; a difference of quality in paper; and a difference in degrees of heat, or of light.2.
The quality which distinguishes one thing from another.3.
Dispute; debate; contention; quarrel; controversy.What was the difference? It was a contention in public.
4.
The point in dispute; ground of controversy.5.
A logical distinction.6.
Evidences or marks of distinction.The marks and differences of sovereignty.
7.
Distinction. There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek. Romans 10.
8.
In mathematics, the remainder of a sum or quantity, after a lesser sum or quantity is subtracted.9.
In logic, an essential attribute, belonging to some species, and not found in the genus; being the idea that defines the species.10.
In heraldry, a certain figure added to a coat of arms, serving to distinguish one family from another, or to show how distant a younger branch is from the elder or principal branch.DIFFERENCE
,Verb.
T.