difference

DIFFERENCE, noun 1. The state of being unlike or distinct; distinction; disagreement; want of sameness; variation; dissimilarity. difference may be total or partial, and exist in the nature and essence of things, in the form, the qualities or degrees. There is a difference in nature between animals and plants; a difference in form between the genera and species of animals; a difference of quality in paper; and a difference in degrees of heat, or of light. 2. The quality which distinguishes one thing from another. 3. Dispute; debate; contention; quarrel; controversy. What was the difference? It was a contention in public. 4. The point in dispute; ground of controversy. 5. A logical distinction. 6. Evidences or marks of distinction. The marks and differences of sovereignty. 7. Distinction. There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek. Romans 10:12. 8. In mathematics, the remainder of a sum or quantity, after a lesser sum or quantity is subtracted. 9. In logic, an essential attribute, belonging to some species, and not found in the genus; being the idea that defines the species. 10. In heraldry, a certain figure added to a coat of arms, serving to distinguish one family from another, or to show how distant a younger branch is from the elder or principal branch. DIFFERENCE, verb transitive To cause a difference or distinction. A regular administration of justice according to fixed laws differences a civilized from a savage state.