diferir
verbCEFR B2
What does “diferir” mean in English?
to differ, to diverge
to differ, to diverge (to be at odds in opinion, data, or approach; diferir de)
Example sentences
Las conclusiones del segundo informe difieren significativamente de las que presentó el equipo inicial.
The conclusions of the second report differ significantly from those presented by the initial team.
Su método difiere del estándar en varios aspectos clave que el autor explica en el tercer capítulo.
His method differs from the standard in several key respects that the author explains in the third chapter.
Las dos versiones del suceso difieren en puntos fundamentales, lo que complica la investigación.
The two accounts of the event differ on fundamental points, which complicates the investigation.
How to use it
Diferir de means 'to differ from' or 'to diverge from' — used of facts, opinions, conclusions, or approaches that do not match. Always intransitive; requires de to introduce what it differs from. At B2 it is the formal equivalent of ser diferente de. Don't confuse with discrepar (disagree on an opinion) — diferir is factual divergence; discrepar is disagreement.
Common mistake
Diferir always takes de when specifying what something differs from: diferir de + noun. Never *diferir a or *diferir con. Diferir vs. discrepar: diferir is objective factual divergence; discrepar is subjective disagreement. Don't use diferir with a direct object — it is intransitive: *diferir los resultados is ungrammatical.