Dictionary Home »
Phrase Meanings » beg to differ
What does "beg to differ" mean?
Disagree with someone, as in John told me Max was sure to win, but I beg to differ—I don't think he has a chance. This courteous formula for expressing disagreement echoes similar uses of beg in the sense of “ask,” such as
I beg your pardon, so used since about 1600. Also see excuse me.