discrepancy

American  

[dih-skrep-uhn-see] / dɪˈskrɛp ən si /

Also discrepance

noun

plural

discrepancies

1. the state or quality of being discrepant or in disagreement, as by displaying an unexpected or unacceptable difference; inconsistency.

   The discrepancy between the evidence and his account of what happened led to his arrest.

   Synonyms:

   variance, contrariety, discordance, disagreement, incongruity

2. an instance of difference or inconsistency.

   There are certain discrepancies between the two versions of the story.

   Synonyms:

   variation

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discrepancy British  

/ dɪˈskrɛpənsɪ /

noun

1. a conflict or variation, as between facts, figures, or claims

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Usage

Discrepancy is sometimes wrongly used where disparity is meant. A discrepancy exists between things which ought to be the same; it can be small but is usually significant. A disparity is a large difference between measurable things such as age, rank, or wages

Related Words

See difference.

Etymology

Origin of discrepancy

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin discrepantia, from discrepant- (stem of discrepāns “sounding discordant”; discrepant ) + -ia -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

There were similar discrepancies for every subsequent year through 2020, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the researchers compared their reconstructed emissions with six widely used global wildfire models, they discovered significant discrepancies.

From Science Daily

I asked Davis to explain the discrepancy but got no reply.

From Los Angeles Times

I’d thought the discrepancy was something to do with his shoes.

From Literature

To address the discrepancy, Dr. Rossi and her colleagues used a two part strategy.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• difference
• disparity
• distinction
• divergence
• error
• inconsistency
• miscalculation
• variation