Differire

Differire is an Italian verb with several related meanings that center on the ideas of being different, delaying, or postponing. In everyday and formal language it can mean to differ from something or someone, to postpone an action, or to be late in relation to another event or expectation. The chosen sense is usually clear from context, prepositions, and the object of the verb. Common uses include noting a difference, delaying an appointment or decision, and talking about timing differences.

Etymology and history: the verb derives from Latin differre, meaning “to carry apart, to be different; to defer or postpone.” In modern Italian it retained both the sense of difference and the sense of postponement, allowing both comparisons and scheduling-related meanings to coexist.

Usage and constructions: to express a difference, one can say that something “differisce” from something else. To defer or postpone, one speaks of “differire” a decision, a start time, or an event, or “differire l’inizio” of a project. Phrases such as “differire da/da ciò che si era previsto” indicate a divergence from what was planned. To discuss timing, one can say something differs “nel tempo” or “di poco,” meaning a small difference in time or delay. The sense of disagreement or difference in opinion is also common, as in “differire su una questione.”

Grammar: differire is a regular Italian verb around which standard conjugation patterns apply. The compound tenses use avere with the past participle “differito” (e.g., ho differito).

See also: posticipare, rimandare, differenza.