make a difference

1. Distinguish or discriminate. This phrase appears in the Bible (Leviticus 11:47): “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean.” [Late 1500s]

2. Also, make the difference . Cause a change in effect, change the nature of something, as in His score on this test will make the difference between passing and failing , or These curtains sure make a difference in the lighting .

3. Be important, matter, as in Her volunteer work made a difference in many lives . The antonym of this usage is make no difference , as in It makes no difference to me if we go immediately or in an hour . This usage appeared long ago in slightly different versions. Miles Coverdale's translation of the Bible of 1535 had it is no difference , and the converse, it makes great difference , was first recorded about 1470.

Example Sentences

"Can we make a difference? Can we give council tax payers better value for money? Yes. How big a chunk or percentage that will be – I don't know the answer to that but we are going to try."

From BBC

Asked if the Downing Street operation was "a shambles", a No 10 spokesman replied: "The PM's focus is on delivering practical change to make a difference to people's lives."

From BBC

He is that kind of old-school centre-forward that is going to make a difference for them in a lot of games this season.

From BBC

Alonso has come in with a new structure, and their new signings will make a difference for them.

From BBC

Injury to brother makes Arman Papazyan the running back who can make a difference for the Nitros football team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affect 
• count 
• imply 
• involve 
• mean 
• signify