make a difference
Change the outcome
To make a difference is to have a meaningful effect or impact.
The phrase often implies positive change: She wanted a career where she could make a difference.
It also appears in negative constructions about insignificance: It doesn't make a difference which route you take.
The question Does it make a difference? asks whether something matters at all.
Quality of mattering
- consequenceResult of an action
- outcomeFinal result of events
- resultWhat follows a cause
- effectResult of a cause
change · benefit · value · contribution · influence · importance · mark · impression
Unpaid willing participant
aid · contribute · give · participate · engage · uplift · empower · advocate
Public cause supporter
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- organizePut into systematic order
- rallyGathering for a cause
mobilize · petition · lobby · march · demonstrate · speak out · stand up · fight for
significance
Quality of mattering
- consequenceResult of an action
- outcomeFinal result of events
- resultWhat follows a cause
effect · change · benefit · value · contribution · influence · importance · mark · impression · dent
volunteer
Unpaid willing participant
serve · aid · contribute · give · participate · engage · uplift · empower · advocate · mentor
advocate
Public cause supporter
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- organizePut into systematic order
rally · mobilize · petition · lobby · march · demonstrate · speak out · stand up · fight for · grassroots
shape
External outline of something
inspire · motivate · persuade · move · touch · steer · lead · spark · catalyze · drive
enhance
Increase in quality
progress · uplift · enrich · strengthen · boost · transform · reform · remedy · heal · restore
- involvementparticipate, participation, join in, involvement, take part
make, difference, maker, making, indifferent, remake, makes, differently, indifference