make a difference — to have an important or noticeable effect on something or someone
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to have an important or noticeable effect on something or someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /meɪk ə ˈdɪfərəns/
Example Sentences
- Your donation of just $5 can make a difference to hungry children.
- I tried to make a difference by eating all the leftover pizza to prevent food waste.
- One teacher's encouragement can make a huge difference in a student's future.
make a difference
VERB[/meɪk ə ˈdɪfərəns/]
to have an important or noticeable effect on something or someone
While the dry garden bed stayed brown and forgotten, the little girl planted a single red rose to make a difference to the dull yard.
MAKE (create) + DIFFERENCE (contrast) — by choosing to MAKE one lantern glow with DIFFERENCE among the shadows, the guide helped make a difference to the lost crew.
With patient persistence to protect fragile sea life existence, the boy tossed stranded starfish back into the sea to make a difference.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal idiom emerged in the 14th century, combining the Old English verb 'make' (to create or produce) with the Old French-derived noun 'difference' (from Latin differentia, meaning distinction or contrast). The phrase crystallized as a figurative expression meaning 'to produce a significant change or have a meaningful impact.'
Breakdown
make (Old English macian, to construct or create) + difference (Old French difference, from Latin differentia, meaning distinction or variation). The compound creates a metaphorical sense of producing tangible change or consequence.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Your donation of just $5 can make a difference to hungry children.”
“I tried to make a difference by eating all the leftover pizza to prevent food waste.”
“One teacher's encouragement can make a huge difference in a student's future.”
“My cat thinks knocking things off tables will make a difference in world peace.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.