différerais

Différerais is a French verb form that corresponds to the conditional present of the verb différer. Specifically, it is the first-person singular je différerais and the second-person singular tu différerais. The form différerais thus denotes a hypothetical or polite action in the present or future in either of those two perspectives, depending on context.

Différer as a verb has two main meanings in French, which carry into its conditional forms. One meaning is to postpone or delay something, as in postponing an appointment or a decision. The other meaning is to differ from someone or something, i.e., to be not the same or to disagree in opinion. The intended meaning of diffèrerais is determined by the construction and context, such as whether a direct object is present or whether the phrase involves comparison or disagreement.

In usage, différerais typically appears in hypothetical statements or discussions of what one would do under certain conditions. For example, "Je différerais le rendez-vous jusqu'à demain" conveys “I would postpone the appointment until tomorrow.” Alternatively, in the sense of disagreement, one might say "Je différerais de toi sur ce point," meaning “I would differ with you on that point.” The conditional form can also appear in si-clauses to express a potential stance or action.

Related topics include the base verb différer and its other tenses, as well as synonymous expressions for postponing (différer quelque chose, remettre à plus tard) and for differing in opinion.