Different is something that contrasts one from another. Or, something that stands out. Something is unique. Life is full of diversity (and surprises). No two snowflakes are alike. Nor fingerprints. Celebrate the differences in all people.
How to sign "different" in American Sign Language (ASL)? Plus a few inflections.
Meaning: Not the same as another or each other; distinct in nature; dissimilar.
Pronunciation (sign description): Two upright index fingers, palms facing out, cross at the middle of forefingers held in space. The forefingers diverge sideways.
Tips for ASL students: not to be confused by the ASL sign OPPOSITE which has a different palm orientation and movement. Also, not to confuse this similar sign with BUT.
Deaf native signers have some inflected signs/words to convey a gradient meaning. Here is a few examples.
In grammar, this ASL adjective is plural glossed as DIFFERENT+. Three movements are glossed as DIFFERENT++. A modification of this plural with a movement and speed can express a nuance of meaning.
Context or usage examples: "There are different sign languages around the world, such as Auslan (Australian Sign Language), BSL (British Sign Language), and so on, just like there are different spoken languages".
Sign description: Same as the base word, except that the movement and intonation show an emphasis. Two upright index fingers, palms facing in, cross at the middle of forefingers held in space. The forefingers diverge sideways.
Meaning: so different, very different.
Sign description: Two upright index fingers, palms facing in, cross at the middle of forefingers held in space. The forefingers diverge sideways where the wrists twist. Intonation and facial expression may be accompanied.
Meaning: so different, very different, completely different, not that kind of, unlike anything. Note that these English translations may come from subtle variants of this ASL sign along with the stress of movement and intonation or facial expression.
Antonym: SAME.
Synonyms: UNLIKE, DISSIMILAR.
First 100 words.
As you feel more comfortable with the first few hundreds of ASL signs, progress further with your vocabulary and learn signing more.