differirem

Differirem is a Latin verb form rather than a standalone lexical entry. It represents a first-person singular imperfect subjunctive active form associated with the verb differo, differre, distuli, dilatum, which carries senses such as to differ, to separate, to delay, or to scatter. In classical Latin, the standard imperfect subjunctive for differo is typically given as differerem, but differirem is attested in certain authors, texts, and periods as a variant.

Morphology and attestation. The imperfect subjunctive is used in subordinate clauses to express hypothetical, counterfactual, or potential action in the past. For a verb of the differo family, the conventional formation is commonly described as differerem in many grammars, while differirem appears as an alternative form in some texts. The occurrence of differirem is more frequent in late Latin, some inscriptions, or poetic context, where spelling and phonetic conventions allowed variant endings.

Meaning and usage. As a form of the imperfect subjunctive, differirem would translate roughly as “that I might differ” or “that I would differ,” depending on the surrounding clause and aspect. It can appear in si- or ut-clauses, in indirect speech, or in other subordinate constructions where a past-oriented potential or counterfactual nuance is required.

Overview. Differirem illustrates how Latin verb forms can show regional or diachronic variation within what is grammatically a single paradigm. In standard classical reference works, differerem is usually cited as the normative form, with differirem noted as an attested variant in select sources.