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adverb A2 Elementary Common

differently

DIHF-ruhnt-lee

Differently (adverb) means In a way that is not the same; not in the same manner. Example: “Everyone reacted differently to the news.”

adverb
1
In a way that is not the same; not in the same manner.
"Everyone reacted differently to the news."
"She dresses differently now than she did in college."

How to use differently

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn another way — not how something is usually done.

Word forms

more differently comparative, most differently superlative

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Everyone reacted _____ to the news.

Related words

Rhymes for differently

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Frequently asked questions

What does “differently” mean?

The word “differently” means in a way that is not the same; not in the same manner. In plain terms, in another way — not how something is usually done.

How do you pronounce “differently”?

“Differently” is pronounced DIHF-ruhnt-lee (/ˈdɪfɹəntli/ in IPA).

How do you use “differently” in a sentence?

Here is “differently” used in a sentence: “Everyone reacted differently to the news.”

What is the opposite of “differently”?

The opposite of “differently” — its antonyms — are identically and similarly.

What part of speech is “differently”?

“Differently” is an adverb.

Is “differently” a common word?

“Differently” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

What is the difference between 'differently' and 'otherwise'?

Differently is an adverb meaning in a way that is not the same, and it focuses on the manner of an action, as in 'she sees it differently'. Otherwise can mean 'in another way' but also 'or else' or 'in other respects', so it is broader and often signals a consequence or exception.

What is the difference between 'different' and 'differently'?

Different is an adjective that describes a noun, as in 'a different result', while differently is the adverb form that describes how an action is done, as in 'she reacted differently'. Choosing between them depends on whether you are describing a thing or the manner of an action.

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