Dictionary
English - French
Difference
ˈdɪf(ə)rəns
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
différence, écart, divergence, décalage
Difference meanings in French
différence
Example:
The difference between the two products is significant.
La différence entre les deux produits est significative.
Can you explain the difference in price?
Peux-tu expliquer la différence de prix?
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in discussions, comparisons, and analyses.
Note: Commonly used in both written and spoken French. It's important to note that 'différence' is often used in academic and everyday contexts.
écart
Example:
There is a noticeable gap (écart) in performance between the teams.
Il y a un écart notable de performance entre les équipes.
The income disparity is an alarming difference.
La disparité de revenus est une différence alarmante.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used frequently in discussions about statistics, economics, and social issues.
Note: Typically used when discussing measurable differences, especially in quantitative contexts.
divergence
Example:
There is a divergence of opinions on this matter.
Il y a une divergence d'opinions sur cette question.
The difference in their paths shows a clear divergence.
La différence dans leurs parcours montre une claire divergence.
Usage: formalContext: Often used in academic, political, or philosophical discussions.
Note: This term emphasizes a more significant deviation or difference in views or paths.
décalage
Example:
There is a time difference between the two countries.
Il y a un décalage horaire entre les deux pays.
The difference in expectations and reality created a gap.
Le décalage entre les attentes et la réalité a créé un écart.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts involving time, expectations, and social situations.
Note: This term is used to describe a difference that implies a shift or a gap, often in temporal or situational contexts.
Difference's synonyms
discrepancy
A discrepancy refers to a lack of agreement or consistency between two or more things.
Example: There is a significant discrepancy between the two reports.
Note: Discrepancy is often used to emphasize a notable difference or inconsistency.
disparity
Disparity indicates a significant difference, especially in terms of inequality or dissimilarity.
Example: The study revealed a great disparity in income levels among different social classes.
Note: Disparity often conveys a sense of inequality or imbalance between the compared elements.
discreteness
Discreteness refers to the quality of being distinct or separate.
Example: The discreteness of their opinions led to a heated debate.
Note: Discreteness emphasizes the individuality or separateness of the compared elements.
variation
Variation indicates a change or difference in condition, amount, or level.
Example: There is a wide variation in climate across different regions of the country.
Note: Variation often implies a range of differences or deviations from a standard or norm.
Difference expressions, common phrases
Make a difference
To have a significant impact or effect on something or someone.
Example: Volunteering at the shelter can really make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of creating a positive change or impact.
Spot the difference
To notice a small detail that distinguishes one thing from another.
Example: In the game, you have to spot the difference between the two pictures within a limited time.
Note: This phrase is often used in games or activities where participants have to identify subtle distinctions.
Know the difference
To be able to distinguish between two or more similar things or concepts.
Example: It's important to know the difference between right and wrong.
Note: This phrase highlights the importance of being able to discern between different options or choices.
What's the difference?
Asking about the distinction or dissimilarity between two or more things.
Example: I can't decide between the two dresses. What's the difference in price?
Note: This phrase is used to inquire about the contrast or variation between options.
Split the difference
To reach a compromise by each side giving up part of their demands.
Example: Since they couldn't agree on the price, they decided to split the difference and meet halfway.
Note: This phrase involves finding a middle ground or compromise between two opposing viewpoints or positions.
Make all the difference
To have a crucial or decisive impact on a situation or outcome.
Example: Having supportive friends can make all the difference when facing challenges.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the significant influence of a particular factor on a result or circumstance.
Difference of opinion
A disagreement or varying viewpoint between individuals or groups.
Example: There seems to be a difference of opinion among the team members regarding the best approach to the project.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to conflicting viewpoints or perspectives on a particular matter.
Difference everyday (slang) expressions
Diff
Shortened form of 'difference'. It's often used informally to refer to a distinction or contrast between two things.
Example: What's the diff between these two jackets?
Note: The slang 'diff' is a casual and abbreviated version of the word 'difference' and is commonly used in spoken language.
Diffy
Informal slang to describe a noticeable or significant difference in a playful manner.
Example: The prices are a bit diffy between the two stores.
Note: The term 'diffy' is a colloquial way to say 'different' or 'varying' in a more relaxed and catchy style.
Delta
Borrowed from the Greek letter Δ, this slang denotes a change or difference between two things.
Example: Can you explain the delta in the two proposals?
Note: In this context, 'delta' symbolizes a specific and often quantitative difference, especially in scientific or technical discussions.
Gap
Used informally to indicate a noticeable difference, usually between perspectives, standings, or beliefs.
Example: There's a significant gap in their opinions on this issue.
Note: The slang 'gap' emphasizes a distinct space or difference between two entities, often in terms of opinions, knowledge, or positions.
Spread
Informal slang referring to the range or difference in values or prices between two or more items.
Example: What's the spread between the prices of these two gadgets?
Note: The term 'spread' highlights the extent or scope of the difference, especially in financial or comparative contexts.
Delta-V
Derived from physics and engineering terminology, it signifies a change in velocity or approach, metaphorically referring to a difference or alteration.
Example: We need to consider the delta-V in our approach to this problem.
Note: Used mostly in technical or specialized conversations, 'delta-V' implies a specific and calculated difference in approach, direction, or execution.
Difference - Examples
The main difference between these two products is the price.
La principale différence entre ces deux produits est le prix.
There is a noticeable difference in the taste of these two wines.
Il y a une différence notable dans le goût de ces deux vins.
The difference in temperature between day and night is quite significant in this region.
La différence de température entre le jour et la nuit est assez significative dans cette région.
Difference grammar
Difference - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: difference
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): differences, difference
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): difference
Syllables, Separation and Stress
difference Contains 3 syllables: dif • fer • ence
Phonetic transcription: ˈdi-f(ə-)rən(t)s
dif fer ence , ˈdi f(ə )rən(t)s (The red syllable is stressed)
Difference - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
difference: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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