verb

diff

dihf

Diff (verb) means to compare two files or pieces of text and highlight what’s different between them. Example: “He diffed the two versions to see what had changed.”

verb

To compare two files or pieces of text and highlight what’s different between them.

"He diffed the two versions to see what had changed."

noun

A summary or listing of the differences between two files or versions of code.

"She reviewed the diff before approving the pull request."

How to use diff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishComputing jargon for comparing two versions of something and showing what changed.

When to use it

Technical/informal — mostly used by programmers.

Common pairings

review the diff diff two files

Word forms

diffed past tense, diffs singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “diff” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the two versions to see what had changed.

Rhymes for diff

tiff biff riff jiff stiff cliff sniff whiff skiff Griff spliff Schiff

See all rhymes for diff →

Frequently asked questions

What does “diff” mean?

The word “diff” means to compare two files or pieces of text and highlight what’s different between them. In plain terms, computing jargon for comparing two versions of something and showing what changed.

How do you pronounce “diff”?

“Diff” is pronounced dihf (/dɪf/ in IPA).

How do you use “diff” in a sentence?

Here is “diff” used in a sentence: “He diffed the two versions to see what had changed.”

What part of speech is “diff”?

Depending on how it is used, “diff” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “diff” have?

“Diff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to compare two files or pieces of text and highlight what’s different between them.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include diff:

Words that end with F