Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Difference”
What makes things not the same. When two things are not alike.
Word Family of Difference
What is the noun of difference? — difference
What is the verb of difference? — differ
What is the adjective of difference? — different
What is the adverb of difference? — differently
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- There's a big difference between the two cars. A2
- I noticed small differences in the house design. B1
- The main difference is the price and quality. B1
Word Form Patterns for Difference
-er
Adds **-er** to make a noun for a person or thing that performs the action. Example: difference → differ.
-ly
Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: difference → differently.
Origin and Word Formation of Difference
From Latin differre: dis- (apart) + ferre (to carry).
Common Word Form Mistakes with Difference
Wrong: The difference between these books is very interesting.
Correct: The differences between these books are very interesting.
When plural (multiple differences), use plural verb 'are' not 'is'.
Wrong: What's the different between them?
Correct: What's the difference between them?
Use noun 'difference' not adjective 'different' after 'the'.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Difference
What are the word forms of “difference”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “difference”?
“difference” is primarily a noun. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Where does “difference” come from?
From Latin differre: dis- (apart) + ferre (to carry).