differently

differently — adverb

1. not in the same way as before or not in the same way that someone else does some

1.adverbA2
Definition

not in the same way as before or not in the same way that someone else does something

Example

Valentina loves the open-plan office, but her brother thinks differently and prefers a quiet room.

think differently [contrast using 'but']

The new manager treats the staff differently from her predecessor.

treat [someone] differently from [someone]

Common collocations
  • think differently about
  • feel differently about
  • treat someone differently
  • see things differently
  • behave differently
  • look at something differently
  • act differently
  • do something differently
Synonyms
  • otherwise

    used when the alternative is already stated or strongly implied; slightly more formal

  • in another way

    more explicit but less common in everyday speech

  • variously

    suggests multiple different ways rather than a single contrast; much rarer

Antonyms
  • the same

    used with 'in the same way' as an adverbial phrase

  • similarly

    describes actions done in a like manner

Grammar Patterns

differently + from + noun/pronoun

verb + differently (no comparison)

feel/think/look + differently + about + noun

Usage Note

Frequently paired with verbs of perception, opinion, or behaviour: think differently, feel differently, see things differently, treat someone differently. British English prefers 'differently from'; American English accepts 'differently than' as well.

Common Mistakes

I think different about this issue.
I think differently about this issue.
'different' is an adjective; use 'differently' (adverb) to modify the verb 'think'.
She treats me different than before.
She treats me differently from before.
'different' cannot act as an adverb.

2. in a manner that stands apart from what most people consider normal or expected,

2.adverbB1
Definition

in a manner that stands apart from what most people consider normal or expected, often in a noticeable way

Example

Naoko has always dressed differently from her classmates, choosing bold colours and unusual patterns.

dress differently from [group]

The old house on the corner was painted differently — bright purple with yellow window frames.

Common collocations
  • dress differently
  • behave differently
  • speak differently
  • act differently
  • painted/designed differently
Synonyms
  • unusually

    more direct synonym; 'differently' in this sense is slightly softer

  • abnormally

    stronger and often negative in tone; suggests something is wrong

  • distinctively

    focuses on standing out in a memorable way; more positive

Antonyms
  • normally

    describes behaviour that follows social expectations

  • typically

    describes what is usual or expected

Grammar Patterns

verb + differently + from + noun/pronoun

verb + differently

Usage Note

This sense carries a social or normative contrast — what counts as 'unusual' depends on the context and shared expectations of a group. Unlike Sense 1, it does not simply express a difference between two things but implies a departure from a standard or norm.

Common Mistakes

She always eats differently — she uses chopsticks.' (implies unusual, but using chopsticks is normal in many cultures).
She always dresses differently
her style is quite unusual for this town.' — Sense 2 only fits when the behaviour or appearance is noticeably outside a shared norm, not just culturally different.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All three express the idea of doing something in a non-identical manner, but they differ in scope and register. 'Otherwise' is the closest synonym when a clear alternative exists: 'We were told to leave; otherwise we would have stayed.' It often implies a conditional or contrastive context. 'In another way' is more explicit and flexible, working wherever 'differently' fits, but it is wordier and less common in everyday speech. 'Variously' suggests multiple different ways, not just one contrast — for example, 'The same story has been told variously by different witnesses.' It is much rarer and fits formal or academic writing. For most everyday situations, 'differently' is the natural choice: 'I see the situation differently now.'

otherwise ↗in another wayvariously

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • very differently
  • quite differently
  • completely differently
  • radically differently
  • significantly differently

Phrases

  • think differently about
  • see things differently
  • treat someone differently
  • feel differently about
  • do something differently
  • behave differently from

Prepositions

  • from
  • than (esp. AmE)
  • to (esp. BrE)

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'differently' comes from the verb 'differ', which traces back to Latin 'differre' — made from 'dis-' (apart) and 'ferre' (to carry or bear). In Latin, 'differre' meant both 'to carry apart' (separate) and 'to be different'. The adverb form was built in English by adding '-ly' to 'different', which came from Old French 'diferent'.