different

Different is an adjective used to describe things that are not the same as each other. It signals a lack of sameness or identity between two or more items, ideas, states, or qualities. In everyday language, describing something as different often implies variety, contrast, or distinction, rather than moral judgment.

Usage notes: The standard construction is "different from" (for example, "These two versions are different from each other"). Some speakers and style guides accept "different than" in informal contexts, but many prefer "different from" in formal writing. The adverb form is "differently" (as in "They spoke differently"). Since different is an adjective, it typically modifies nouns, not verbs.

Etymology and related terms: Different derives from Old French different, itself from Latin differentia, meaning a distinction or difference. Related words include difference, differentiate, and distinguish. Antonyms include same, identical, and similar; related concepts include variety and divergence.

Context and nuance: In mathematics and logic, "different" is used to denote not equal or not identical (for example, a ≠ b). Outside formal contexts, it commonly conveys contrast between two things, such as appearances, opinions, or approaches. The word also appears in phrases like "a different story" or "a different approach," where it highlights an alternative or change from what is expected or previously discussed.