| 释义 |
dif·fer·ence
I. \ˈdifərn(t)s, -f(ə)rən-, -R sometimes -fən-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin differentia, from different-, differens + -ia
1.
a. : the quality or state of being different
< great difference between the two ideas >
b. : an instance of differing in nature, form, or quality
< differences in the manufacturing process result in a wide variety of flavors >
: a property or characteristic in which things or persons differ
< differences in color and texture between the two fabrics >
c. archaic : a characteristic that distinguishes one person or thing from another or from the general
< an absolute gentleman full of the most excellent differences — Shakespeare >
d. : differentia 1
e. : the element or factor that separates or distinguishes two contrasting situations or events
< water is the difference between profit and loss to these farmers >
2. : distinction or discrimination in preference or choice
< the law should make no difference between the rich and the poor >
3. : disagreement in opinion : dissension, controversy
< there has never been any difference between the two men >
: an instance of disagreement or a point upon which there is disagreement
< nationalists have always used force to settle their differences — H.S.Fowler >
4.
a. : the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure
< 10 cents difference in price >
specifically : the result obtained by subtracting one magnitude, number, or function from another of the same kind
b. : the amount payable to or by a seller on the occasion of the sale of securities or commodities originally purchased by him as a speculation without intention to take physical possession and representing the change in price
c. : the amount paid or allowed for the delivery of a quality of produce better or poorer than that on which the contract price is based
5. : an addition to or change in a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons which would otherwise be the same — compare augmentation 6, cadency mark
6. : a significant change in a situation : a significant effect on a situation
< what's the difference whether I go or not >
< streamlining did not make much difference >
Synonyms: see dissimilarity
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English differencen, from difference, n.
1.
a. : to make different : differentiate or distinguish in nature or character
< every individual has something that differences it from another — John Locke >
b. : to make a distinction between (as in the mind) : discriminate, differentiate
< difference gods from men — George Chapman >
2. : to make a heraldic difference in (a coat of arms)
III. transitive verb
: to compute the difference between |