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

Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Minority Whip, recently became the highest-ranking Democratic member to use the term, calling on attendees at a recent event to “take action in time to make a difference … whether that is stopping the starvation and genocide and destruction of Gaza,” or other issues that are important to them.

From Salon

But what could make a difference – one way or the other – to Reform's prospects?

From BBC

"She doesn't have to be present on everything, but wants to be present on issues that are more connected to her interests, and where she can make a difference."

From BBC

“Of all the troubling findings we revealed in the study, the one thing where humanity can really make a difference quickly is the decision to better manage groundwater and protect it for future generations,” Famiglietti said.

From Los Angeles Times

While most Wall Street analysts seemed to agree that Judge Mehta's ruling was a major win for the tech industry, the judge did order some remedies that could make a difference, according to some experts.

From BBC

Related Words

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