- Difference
- Difference Dif"fer*ence, n. [F. diff['e]rence, 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?
[1913 Webster]
Differencies of administration, but the same Lord. --1 Cor. xii. 5. [1913 Webster]
2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy. [1913 Webster]
What was the difference? It was a contention in public. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could. --T. Ellwood. [1913 Webster]
3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute. [1913 Webster]
The marks and differences of sovereignty. --Davies. [1913 Webster]
4. Choice; preference. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
That now he chooseth with vile difference To be a beast, and lack intelligence. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
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}. [1913 Webster]
6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia. [1913 Webster]
7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other. [1913 Webster]
{Ascensional difference}. See under {Ascensional}.
Syn: Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
