different definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Search for "different" in all of MSN Encarta

adjective

Definition:

1. unlike something or somebody else: not the same as something or somebody else

This is certainly different from anything I've ever experienced before.

2. distinct: separate or distinct from another or others

She wore a different pair of shoes every day.

3. unusual: contrary to norms or expectations

What do you think of my hat? - Well, it's certainly different.

[14th century. Via French< Latin different-, present participle of differre (see differ)]

dif·fer·ent·ly adverb

Word Usage


	Different from or different than? Different from and different than are both common in U.S. English, though critics for 300 years have objected to different than. If you are drawing distinctions directly between two people or items, then from is the safer choice: Their attitudes are very different from those of their contemporaries.