Dĭf'fer1, v. i.
v. i. [imp. & p. p. DIFFERED; p. pr. & vb. n. DIFFERING.] [Lat. differre, from dis and ferre, to bear, carry; Fr. differer, It. differire, Sp. differer.]
Sense 1. To be or stand apart; to disagree; to be unlike or discordant; — often with from.
One star differeth from another star in glory. 1 Cor. xv. 41.
Minds differ, as rivers differ. Macaulay.
Sense 2. To be of unlike or opposite opinion; to disagree in sentiment.
Sense 3. To have a difference, cause of variance, or quarrel.
We'll never differ with a crowded pit. Rowe.
Synonyms—To vary; disagree; dissent; dispute; contend; oppose; wrangle. —TO DIFFER WITH, DIFFER FROM. Differ with is used in reference to opinions; as, “I differ with my friend on that point.” In all other cases, expressing simple unlikeness, differ from is used; as, “These two persons or things differ entirely from each other.” This distinction is fully established in England, and, to a great extent, in America. “I differ with the honorable gentleman on that point.” Lord Brougham. “If the honorable gentleman differs with me on that subject, I differ as heartily with him, and shall always rejoice to differ.” Canning.