différent

Différent is a French adjective meaning different, distinct, or not the same. It is used to indicate that two or more objects, ideas, or situations do not share the same characteristics. The word is common in everyday speech and formal writing, and it can describe qualitative differences as well as contrasts in features, states, or origins.

Etymology and history: diffèrent comes from Latin differens, the present participle of differre, meaning to carry apart or be separate. The term entered Old French and evolved into the modern form différent, with feminine and plural forms following standard French adjective patterns.

Forms and agreement: masculine singular is différent, feminine singular is différente, masculine plural is différents, and feminine plural is différentes. Like other French adjectives, différent agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies and is usually placed after the noun, though placement before the noun can occur for emphasis or stylistic reasons in certain expressions.

Usage notes: différent is typically used with de to express a difference from something else (différent de). It can also describe diversity or variety (des approches différentes, des opinions différentes). Its synonyms include distinct, varié, autre, and divergents, while antonyms include pareil, identique, and semblable. The related noun most commonly used to express the concept is différence, while another related term, différend, denotes a dispute or disagreement.

See also: différence, différend, différence linguistique, langue française.