Different vs. Deferent: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
Different refers to things that are not the same, while deferent pertains to showing respect or yielding to someone else's opinion or authority.
Key Differences
Different describes things or people that are distinct or not alike. It emphasizes dissimilarity and variation between entities. For example, different colors, different opinions, or different cultures highlight the uniqueness or diversity among them. Deferent, on the other hand, refers to showing respect or yielding to the opinions, wishes, or authority of others. It often implies a courteous or submissive attitude. For example, being deferent to a senior colleague means respecting their experience and authority.
Different focuses on the objective distinctions between entities. It is commonly used to compare and contrast characteristics, features, or qualities that set one thing apart from another.
Deferent emphasizes a subjective attitude of respect and submission. It is often used in contexts where hierarchy, authority, or seniority is recognized and respected.
Different can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from tangible objects to abstract ideas. It is a versatile term used to highlight any form of variation or distinction.
Deferent is more specific to social interactions and relationships, particularly where deference or respect is expected or valued. It is less commonly used in everyday language compared to different.
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Different does not carry any connotations of respect or submission. It is a neutral term simply denoting variance.
Deferent inherently implies a level of humility and acknowledgment of another's superiority or precedence, often used in formal or hierarchical settings.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Not the same; distinct
Showing respect or yielding to authority
Focus
Dissimilarity and variation
Respect and submission
Usage Context
Comparing characteristics or features
Social interactions and relationships
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Commonality
Widely used in various contexts
Less commonly used, specific to respect
Connotation
Neutral
Implies humility and respect
Different and Deferent Definitions
Different
Not the same as another.
The twins have different personalities.
Deferent
Yielding to another's opinion.
She remained deferent to her boss's decisions.
Different
Various or diverse.
The menu offers different types of cuisine.
Deferent
Demonstrating courteous regard.
His tone was deferent when addressing the judge.
Different
Distinct or separate.
There are many different ways to solve this problem.
Deferent
Showing respect or submission.
He was always deferent to his elders.
Different
Unlike in form, quality, amount, or nature; dissimilar
Took different approaches to the problem.
Deferent
Acknowledging authority.
The students were deferent to the professor's expertise.
Different
Distinct or separate
That's a different issue altogether.
Deferent
Respectful in behavior or attitude.
The deferent employee accepted the feedback gracefully.
Different
Various or assorted
Interviewed different members of the community.
Deferent
Showing deference; deferential.
Different
Differing from all others; unusual
A different point of view.
Deferent
(Anatomy) Carrying down or away. Used of a duct or vessel.
Different
In a different way or manner; otherwise
"Carol ... didn't know different until Elinor told her" (Ben Brantley).
Deferent
Serving or adapted to carry or transport.
Different
Not the same; exhibiting a difference.
Deferent
Showing deference; deferential.
Different
Various, assorted, diverse.
Deferent
(obsolete) Serving to carry; bearing.
Different
Distinct, separate; used for emphasis after numbers and other determiners of quantity.
Several different scientists all reached this conclusion at about the same time.
Deferent
(anatomy) A deferent duct in the body, as opposed to an afferent one.
Different
Unlike most others; unusual.
Deferent
(obsolete) That which carries or conveys.
Different
(mathematics) The different ideal.
Deferent
An imaginary circle surrounding the Earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the centre of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.
Different
Differently.
Deferent
Serving to carry; bearing.
Different
Distinct; separate; not the same; other.
Deferent
That which carries or conveys.
Though air be the most favorable deferent of sounds.
Different
Of various or contrary nature, form, or quality; partially or totally unlike; dissimilar; as, different kinds of food or drink; different states of health; different shapes; different degrees of excellence.
Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different.
Deferent
An imaginary circle surrounding the earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the center of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.
Different
Unlike in nature or quality or form or degree;
Took different approaches to the problem
Came to a different conclusion
Different parts of the country
On different sides of the issue
This meeting was different from the earlier one
Deferent
Showing deference
Different
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Different
Differing from all others; not ordinary;
Advertising that strives continually to be different
This new music is certainly different but I don't really like it
Different
Not like; marked by dissimilarity;
For twins they are very unlike
People are profoundly different
Different
Distinct or separate;
Each interviewed different members of the community
Different
Unusual or unique.
Her approach to the project was quite different.
Different
Altered or modified.
The room looks different after the renovation.
FAQs
Can deferent describe behavior?
Yes, deferent describes behavior that shows respect or submission.
Is different a neutral term?
Yes, different is a neutral term that indicates variance without any connotation of respect or submission.
Is deferent a common term?
Deferent is less commonly used and specific to contexts involving respect or hierarchy.
Can different refer to ideas?
Yes, different can refer to ideas that are distinct or not alike.
Does different imply a comparison?
Yes, different usually implies a comparison between two or more things.
What does different mean?
Different means not the same or distinct from something else.
Can different be used for tangible objects?
Yes, different can be used for tangible objects that are not the same.
What does deferent mean?
Deferent means showing respect or yielding to someone else's authority or opinion.
Can different describe people?
Yes, different can describe people who have distinct characteristics or qualities.
Does deferent imply a relationship?
Yes, deferent implies a relationship involving respect or submission.
Does different have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms for different include distinct, diverse, and various.
How is deferent used in social contexts?
Deferent is used to describe a respectful or submissive attitude towards someone.
How is different used in comparisons?
Different is used to highlight distinctions or variations between entities.
Does deferent have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms for deferent include respectful, submissive, and obedient.
Is different commonly used?
Yes, different is a common term used in many contexts.
Is deferent formal?
Yes, deferent is often used in more formal or respectful contexts.
Is different objective?
Yes, different is objective, focusing on actual distinctions.
Can deferent be used for intangible concepts?
Yes, deferent can describe attitudes or behaviors, which are intangible.
Is deferent subjective?
Yes, deferent is subjective, reflecting a person's attitude of respect or submission.
Can deferent refer to authority?
Yes, deferent often refers to showing respect or yielding to authority.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
