different (diferent)

[F. différent = Sp. diferente = Pg. It. differente, I have been always so charitable as to think that the Religion of Rome and the Court of Rome were different Things. Howell , Letters, ii. 5. IMG:content-2609.png:[blocks in formation] [When in the predicate, different is either used absolutely: as, the two things are very diferent; or followed by from: as, the two things are very different from each other; he is very different from his brother. But the relation of opposition is often lost in that of mere comparison, leading to the use of to instead of from. This use is regarded as colloquial or incorrect, and is generally avoided by careful writers. Different to is, e entially, an English colloquialism; and, like many colloquialisms, it evinces how much stronger the instinct of euphony is than the instinct of scientific analogy. F. Hall, Mod. Eng., p. 83. An amazement which was very different to that look of sentimental wonder. Thackeray , Vanity Fair, p. 182.] =Syn. Different , Distinct , Separate , Several . These words agree in being the opposite of same. Different applies to nature or quality as well as to state of being: as, the African and Asiatic climates are very different . The other three words are primarily physical, and are still affected by that fact: we speak of distinct or separate ideas, colors, sounds, etc. Several is used chiefly of those things which differentia (dif-e-ren's hi-ä), n.; pl. different iæ (-ē). [L., difference: see difference, n.] 1. In logic, the characteristic attribute of a species, or that by which it is distinguished from other species of the same genus; specific difference (which see, under difference ). Whatever term can be affirmed of several things must expre either their whole e ence, which is called the species, or a part of their e ence (viz., either the material part, which is called the genus, or the formal and distinguishing part, which is called diferentia , or, in com mon discourse, characteristic), or something joined to the Whately, Logic, i. 4. e ence. 2. In Greg or i an music, a cadence or trope. Also called distinctio.