différance

From French différance (“deferral”) (coined in this sense by Derrida), from différer (“to postpone”); but punning on différence (“difference”).

différance (uncountable)

1. (literary theory, linguistics) The endless deferral of any ultimate meaning in a word or sentence, owing to the necessity of recourse to a potentially infinite series of other, equally uncertain words or signs.

Coined by Jacques Derrida in 1959 from différer +‎ -ance, as a pun on the homophonous word différence.

• IPA^(key): /di.fe.ʁɑ̃s/

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• Homophone: différence

différance f (plural différances)

1. (literary theory, linguistics) différance