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make a difference. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
make a difference, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
make a difference in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
make a difference you have here. The definition of the word
make a difference will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
make a difference, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
make a difference (third-person singular simple present makes a difference, present participle making a difference, simple past and past participle made a difference)
- (idiomatic, intransitive) To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.
I was hoping that, by volunteering at this refuge, I could make a difference, however small.
- (idiomatic, intransitive) To be of importance; to matter.
I don't think it makes a difference whether you come tonight or not.
2013, Debora L. Spar, Wonder Women, page 114:Increasingly, it does not make a difference—economically, at least—whether the husband or wife is the primary wage earner, or whether either or both of them work.
Derived terms
Translations
carry out an action the result of which is significant
See also