Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to make a difference

to make a difference

482 2.8
Cause a clear, positive change in a situation or person
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : marcar la diferencia
  • Remember that you make a difference every single day.
  • want to make a difference
  • make a difference in lives
  • education can make a difference

You know, did you make a difference or not?

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • My work in the community has really made a difference in people's lives.

  • My program is going to make a difference in this world.

    etthehiphoppreacher

  • Well, I think people want to make a difference in some respect.

  • Maybe we can make a difference going forward.

    The Diary Of A CEO

  • If you think you can make a difference, it requires commitment.

    Evan Carmichael

  • If you really want to make a difference, then listen up.

    Rich Roll

  • We're hoping it will make a difference.

    Walkout (2006)

  • I need to do work that has value or purpose by making a difference.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Teachers possess the skills and heart to make a difference in the lives

    Academic text (2013)

  • Reducing barriers to learning through the provision of mental health services makes a difference.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

to affect
vsto make a difference
∞ 3.0

To cause a change in a person or thing

means causing significant improvement or outcome change rather than general influence
to impact
vsto make a difference
255 3.4

To have a strong effect on someone or something

is about improving situations or changing outcomes rather than just strong effect
to go a long way
vsto make a difference
92 3.2

To help a lot or make something much better

is about making clear outcome changes rather than simply helping progress
to move the needle
vsto make a difference
  • Jargon
8 6.2

To make a clear change in results or numbers

is aimed at improving outcomes broadly rather than only measurable shifts
to change lives
vsto make a difference
8 3.4

To make a big positive difference to people's lives

means improving outcomes generally rather than only transforming lives
to shift the dial
vsto make a difference
7.2

To make a clear change in a situation or result

focuses on improving outcomes rather than only adjusting measures

Antonyms

to worsen
61 3.9

To make a situation or condition less good

How Helpful

to transform
523 3.4
to improve
∞ 1.0
to make a difference
482 2.8
assist
33 1.8
to contribute
883 2.7

Surface Forms

make a difference infinitive
made a difference past
made a difference past participle
making a difference present participle
makes a difference third person singular

Morphology

make + a + difference

The meaning 'to have a significant effect' is directly derivable from combining 'make' (to cause or produce) with 'difference' (a change or effect), so a learner who knows the constituents can infer 'to cause a change' or 'produce an effect'. This verb + noun compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows standard English usage, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Make a difference comes from the simple idea of make + difference: imagine adding a little help that changes a small plant from weak to strong. So it means 'to have an important effect' or 'to change something for the better'.