diff
/dɪf/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪf/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdif/ (ame, mw)
diff — noun
- diffsingular
- diffsplural
1. the amount or way in which two or more things are not the same — a shortened, in
the amount or way in which two or more things are not the same — a shortened, informal form of the word 'difference'.
There is a noticeable diff between the summer and winter hotel rates.
diff + between + two things
Chiara could not see any diff between the two shades of blue paint.
Can you tell me the diff between the three mobile phone plans?
The price diff between the laptop models was less than fifty dollars.
Ezra asked what the diff was between tap water and bottled water.
- difference
the full, neutral form suitable for all registers
- gap
emphasises a large or significant difference between positions or levels
- disparity
more formal; suggests an unfair or unequal difference
- sameness
the quality of being identical or very similar
- similarity
a point or way in which things are alike
文法句型
diff + between + plural noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in fixed phrases such as 'what's the diff?' and 'same diff'. Avoid this short form in formal academic or business writing.
常見錯誤
2. in computing, a tool or command that compares two text files and shows which lin
in computing, a tool or command that compares two text files and shows which lines differ; the report produced by that tool is also called a diff.
Nila ran a diff on the two versions of the configuration file.
collocation: run a diff + on [file]
When Liam compared the two website files, the diff tool highlighted every line that had changed.
Before submitting the updated file, Andrés checked the diff output carefully.
Ryo saved the diff output to show his editor which parts of the article had changed.
- comparison
a general term; less technical than 'diff'
- delta
jargon for the set of changes between two versions
文法句型
run + diff
diff + between + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used as a proper noun ('diff') to refer to the standard Unix comparison utility. The output of the tool can also be called a diff.
常見錯誤
3. a shortened, informal name for the differential gear — the part of a vehicle tha
a shortened, informal name for the differential gear — the part of a vehicle that lets the wheels on the same axle turn at different speeds when going around corners.
The mechanic said the rear diff was leaking oil and would need to be repaired soon.
collocation: rear diff / front diff
A damaged diff can make a grinding noise when the car turns a corner.
Christopher checked the diff oil level in his old pickup truck to see if it needed a top-up.
Mert had to replace the front diff after driving over a large rock on the trail.
- differential
the full technical term; 'differential gear' is also used
- differential gear
the complete, formal name
用法筆記
Common in automotive repair contexts and among car enthusiasts. Always refers to the differential — not the gearbox or transmission.
常見錯誤
diff — adjective
- diffpositive
- differcomparative
- diffestsuperlative
1. not the same as another thing or person — a shortened, very informal form of the
not the same as another thing or person — a shortened, very informal form of the word 'different'.
This jacket is totally diff from the one I saw in the catalogue.
informal: be + diff + from
Salma's ideas about the project were diff from everyone else on the team.
Inês said the new album sounds diff from their earlier songs.
The atmosphere at the two cafés is diff, even though the menu is the same.
- different
the standard, neutral adjective suitable for all contexts
- not alike
a more explicit way of saying two things differ
- contrasting
formal register; emphasises clear differences side by side
文法句型
something + be + diff + from + something
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in casual speech and text messages. Never used in formal writing, where the full adjective 'different' should be used instead.