différaient

Différaient is a French verb that belongs to the irregular verbs in the language. It is the first person plural form of the verb différencier, which means to make or show a difference between things or people. The verb différaient is less common in modern French and is often replaced by its more frequently used alternative, diffèrent.

In terms of meaning, différaient is still present in some formal and academic contexts, especially when referring to past actions that emphasized differences between subjects. This includes scientific, philosophical, or historical discussions that detail differences in subjects, events, or theories from the past.

For instance, in a historical essay on the philosophical differences between Enlightenment thinkers, the writer might say: "Les idées de Kepler différaient de celles de Galilée." This translates to "The ideas of Kepler differed from those of Galileo."

Practically speaking, when using différaient, the subject is often a past period or a specific group of people. So, aside from discussing past actions or differences, it is also noted that différaient practically equals diffèrent as an informal stress on the subject was involved. For learners of the French language, mastering regular and irregular verb forms like différaient will provide more accurate communication.