differently
gb/dˈɪfɹəntli/ us/dˈɪfɹəntli/
A2
English
~ 8900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
in a way that is not the same
In another way; not in the same way as something or someone else.
Usage pattern:
[someone] does [something] differently
Common mistake:
Learners often say *"do it different"* instead of *"do it differently"* when using it as an adverb. Remember to use *"different"* before a noun ("a different idea") and *"differently"* to describe how an action is done ("think differently"). Another common mistake is leaving out the article in the phrase *"in a different way"* (incorrect: *"in different way"*).
Synonyms
in another way (Neutral paraphrase, slightly more formal and longer; often used for emphasis or clarity.)
|
otherwise (Can mean 'in a different way', but also has other meanings like 'if not', so it is less clear in some contexts.)
|
distinctly (Emphasizes a clear or noticeable difference and sounds a bit more formal.)
Antonyms
similarly (Shows that things are done or happen in almost the same way, not in a different way.)
|
the same way (Plain, direct opposite: not differently but exactly as before or as someone else.)
Collocations
think differently
|see things differently
|behave differently
|treated differently
|do things differently
|look at something differently
Themes
daily_life
|thinking
|comparison
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- If we want better results, we have to do things differently.
- Children often see the world differently from adults.
- She reacted very differently this time compared to last year.
- People with that accent are sometimes treated differently.
- After moving abroad, he began to think differently about success.
Learner examples
- He answered the question differently from me.
- I want to do my job differently this year.
- They see this problem differently.
- The teacher treats every student differently.
- After the trip, she feels differently about her country.
Grammar
Dictionary form
differently
IPA
GB/dˈɪfɹəntli/
US/dˈɪfɹəntli/
Syllables & stress
dif - fer - ently (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dif)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: differently
- Plural: differentlies
Word family
Forms
differentlies
noun
Core family
Related words
differentiate
verb B2
Negative and opposite forms
indifferent
adjective B1
indifference
noun B2
Advanced or less common
differentiation
noun B2
differential
adjective B2
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.