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

Critics said there was a discrepancy between Starbucks' public stance on green issues and the lifestyles of its top executives.

From BBC

FAM said the discrepancies arose from an "administrative error" and maintained the players were "legitimate Malaysian citizens".

From BBC

On Tuesday, Fidelity confirmed Danoff’s departure, but declined to comment on the discrepancy.

From Barron's

The discrepancy partly stems from the much heavier emphasis Chinese university science departments put on patent filings in judging academic performance.

From The Wall Street Journal

The murder victim worked at an international shipping company that imported chemicals and has discrepancies in its records.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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