ANTONYM: similarity
different (1) ADJECTIVE
If one thing is different from another, it is not like it.
contrasting
In the story, honest Cinderella is a contrasting character to her scheming stepsisters.
distinct
The taste of blue cheese is quite distinct from ordinary cheese.
opposed
The couple’s viewpoints were opposed.
ANTONYMS: similar or identical
One thing is different from another thing. Some people think that different to is wrong. Different than is used in American English.
different (2) ADJECTIVE
If several things are different from each other, they are not the same.
assorted
My pockets contained assorted coins, sweet wrappers, paperclips and fluff.
varied
The plants were of varied colours, including some lovely reds and purples.
ANTONYMS: similar or identical
If something is different from everything else in the world, it is unique.
difficult (1) ADJECTIVE
Difficult things are not easy to do, understand or solve.
difficult to work out or deal with:
awkward
The tap was in an awkward place for the plumber to get at.
challenging
“It’s the most challenging operation I’ve ever tackled,” the surgeon admitted.
demanding
Dad had a demanding week at work.
formidable
Rescuing thousands from the earthquake rubble was a formidable task.
knotty
It was a knotty problem: to cross the deep river without a bridge!
puzzling
Zara is puzzling. One minute she’s pleasant, the next she’s horrid.
tricky
The climbers were in a tricky situation, stuck on the ledge as night drew in.
physically difficult:
backbreaking
Digging the canals by hand was a backbreaking job for the navvies.
laborious
Archaeology is laborious work, digging slowly and sifting carefully.
strenuous
Marathon running is a strenuous business.
difficult (2) ADJECTIVE
Someone who is difficult behaves in an unreasonable way.
awkward
“That horse is awkward,” said the cowboy, “but I’ll ride him eventually.”
troublesome
The troublesome twins made their teacher’s life a hard one.
trying