Definitions
- Comparing two or more things that are not the same. - Describing a change or variation from what is expected or usual. - Talking about a distinction or contrast between two or more items.
- Referring to things that are fundamentally different or unrelated. - Describing a lack of similarity or connection between two or more items. - Talking about things that are incompatible or cannot be compared.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a lack of sameness or similarity.
- 2Both words can be used to compare two or more items.
- 3Both words can be used as adjectives to modify nouns.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Different can refer to any degree of variation, while disparate implies a fundamental difference.
- 2Intensity: Disparate suggests a stronger degree of difference than different.
- 3Usage: Different is more commonly used in everyday language, while disparate is more formal and less common.
- 4Connotation: Different is neutral in connotation, while disparate can have a negative connotation of incompatibility or irreconcilability.
Remember this!
Different and disparate are synonyms that describe a lack of sameness or similarity. However, different is a more general term that can refer to any degree of variation, while disparate implies a fundamental difference that cannot be reconciled. Additionally, different is more commonly used in everyday language, while disparate is more formal and less common.