Spanish word

diferencia

Pronunciation

IPA/difeˈɾenθja/

Meaning

  • feminine noundifference

Example

No veo la diferencia entre los dos.

I don't see the difference between the two.

Illustration for diferencia (difference)

More examples

Un pequeño gesto puede hacer la diferencia.

A small gesture can make a difference.

Core concept

Mismatch or discrepancy between two situations or outcomes.

Common phrases

  • hacer la diferencia

    make a difference

  • la diferencia de precio

    difference in price

Similar words

distinción: Trait that distinguishes one thing as a different kind or category.
contraste: Clear difference in appearance, tone, or quality that makes two items stand out.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa la distancia o el desajuste entre dos situaciones, resultados o valores.

Word origin

From Latin differentia, formed from dis- 'apart' and ferre 'to carry', originally denoting separation and later generalized to 'difference'.

Usage tips

  • The noun covers both an observable gap and a calculated subtraction, so 'la diferencia en la puntuación' can mean the score gap or the subtraction result.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word