make a difference

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make a difference (third-person singular simple present makes a difference, present participle making a difference, simple past and past participle made a difference)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.

   I was hoping that, by volunteering at this refuge, I could make a difference, however small.

2. (idiomatic, intransitive) To be of importance; to matter.

   I don't think it makes a difference whether you come tonight or not.

   • 1919, Scott Nearing, The Debs Decision:

     I refuse to hate a human being because he happens to be born in some other country. Why should I? To me it does not make any difference where he was born or what the color of his skin may be.

• difference maker
• difference-making