Difference.
Synonyms:
| contrariety, | discrimination, | distinction, | inequality, |
| contrast, | disparity, | divergence, | unlikeness, |
| disagreement, | dissimilarity, | diversity, | variation, |
| discrepancy, | dissimilitude, | inconsistency, | variety. |
Difference is the state or quality of being unlike or the amount of such unlikeness. A difference is in the things compared; a discrimination is in our judgment of them; a distinction is in our definition or description or mental image of them. Careful discrimination of real differences results in clear distinctions. Disparity is stronger than inequality, implying that one thing falls far below another; as, the disparity of our achievements when compared with our ideals. Dissimilarity is between things sharply contrasted; there may be a difference between those almost alike. There is a discrepancy in accounts that fail to balance. Variety involves more than two objects; so, in general, does diversity; variation is a difference in the condition or action of the same object at different times. Disagreement is not merely the lack, but the opposite, of agreement; it is a mild word for opposition and conflict; difference is sometimes used in the same sense.
Antonyms:
| agreement, | harmony, | likeness, | sameness, | uniformity, |
| consonance, | identity, | resemblance, | similarity, | unity. |
Prepositions:
Difference between the old and the new; differences among men; a difference in character; of action; of style; (less frequently) a difference (controversy) with a person; a difference of one thing from (incorrectly to) another.