Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

make a difference

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.97 in modern English

Syllables: make a d-if-fer-ence
IPA

30

Scrabble Score

15

Letters

4

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.

Intransitive verb

verb

To be of importance; to matter.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

"Near-synonym: move the needle"
"I was hoping that, by volunteering at this refuge, I could make a difference, however small."
"I don't think it makes a difference whether you come tonight or not."
"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."

Usage

Intransitive verb

Inflected Forms

makes a difference (present, singular) making a difference (participle, present) made a difference (participle, past) made a difference (past)

Phrases

difference maker difference-making

Synonyms

move the needle

Questions

What does make a difference mean?: To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.

How to pronounce make a difference

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “make a difference”.
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