différemment

Différemment is a French adverb meaning “in a different way” or “differently.” It is formed from the adjective différent with the adverbial suffix -ment, and it is used to indicate that an action or state occurs in a manner that differs from a reference point.

Typically, différemment modifies a verb and appears in sentences that compare ways of doing things. For example: “Ils travaillent différemment depuis le changement de direction.” It can also introduce a comparison with another person or situation: “Elle agit différemment de son frère,” or “différemment de ce qui était prévu.” The form is common in both spoken and written French and is used with verbs such as penser, agir, voir, faire, and résoudre: “penser différemment,” “voir les choses différemment,” “résoudre différemment.”

Nuance and usage notes: différemment emphasizes the manner of doing something rather than its degree. In many contexts, it can be replaced by autrement (“in another way” or “otherwise”), though autrement can carry slightly different shades of meaning, including a broader sense of change or alternative options.

Related terms include the adjective différent (from which différemment is derived), as well as broader concepts of differentiation and comparison. In practice, différemment is a standard, neutral way to express that something is done in a manner that differs from another reference point.