diff

[ dif ]

noun

Informal. difference: What’s the diff if I go Tuesday or Wednesday?
Computers. an operation that computes and displays the data difference or differences between two files, usually between two versions of the same file: Before you submit your work, always do a diff on it.Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

verb (used with object)

Computers. to compare (data files) and display the difference or differences: It’s easier to diff the files if they are in the same repository.

Origin of diff

First recorded in 1600–25; by shortening

diff.

abbreviation

Software that constantly compares the individual speeds of each wheel to the overall speed of the vehicle will enable the motors to match the speeds of all four wheels, mimicking the function of four-wheel drive and locking diffs.
A First Look at the 2022 GMC Hummer EV (It's Awesome) | Wes Siler | October 21, 2020 | Outside Online
Underneath my name, in black ballpoint pen, it says: Abd pain; diff breathing; Inhalation.
How 9/11 Made Journalists Part of the Story | Allison Gilbert | May 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“Critics say my intv was no diff than any other and then criticize anyway,” he continued.
Chris Cuomo Defends His CNN Interview With His Brother, Gov. Andrew Cuomo | Lloyd Grove | December 2, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He lets her buy his cravats an' his seegars an' 'tis little diff'rence it makes to him which he smokes.
Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne
He weighs ye befure ye die an' he weighs ye afther ye die, an' th' diff'rence is what ye'er soul weighs.
Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne

But it don't make anny diff'rence what counthry a king comes from so long as he don't come fr'm th' counthry where he's king.
Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne
But whin Abdul, be damid, as th' potes call him, made th' mistake iv pokin' his head out iv th' palace 'twas diff'rent.
Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne
Now I wish I'd done diff'rent; but it's too late to get back what I missed by dodgin' lessons.
All He Knew | John Habberton

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