Discussion:
have different vs. have differing
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moongeegee
2009-05-03 14:14:49 UTC
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Are they, the following two sentences, different meanings?

We have different views on the subject.
We have differing views on the subject.

Thanks in advance.
Mark Brader
2009-05-03 15:59:53 UTC
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Post by moongeegee
We have different views on the subject.
We have differing views on the subject.
They could mean the same thing.

"Different" is the everyday word; "differing" is a bit more elegant.

I think some people might use "differing" to suggest the case where
the two views are similar in some respects but different in others,
i.e. "partially different" as opposed to "completely different".
But I think other people might just use "differing" because they think
it's more elegant and therefore suggests that the disagreement is a
polite one (whether it really is or not).
--
Mark Brader, Toronto "C and C++ are two different languages.
***@vex.net That's UK policy..." -- Clive Feather

My text in this article is in the public domain.
Don Phillipson
2009-05-03 15:55:34 UTC
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Post by moongeegee
Are they, the following two sentences, different meanings?
We have different views on the subject.
We have differing views on the subject.
In some contexts these mean exactly the same. But there
is a nuance of difference between different and differing, cf.
(1) Theory tells us ABC but we have different views (i.e. you
and I agree with each other, and both of us think the theory
is mistaken.)
(2) "We have differing views" means that you and I disagree
with each other.
Only context can arbitrate matters like this.
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)
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