Definition
A discrepancy is a difference or inconsistency between two or more things, typically between what is expected and what actually occurs.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Difference, disagreement, variation, inconsistency, disparity, mismatch, divergence
Antonyms
Agreement, consistency, conformity, similarity, correspondence
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | discrepancy, discrepancies |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | discrepant |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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There was a discrepancy between what the boss had said and what was written in the contract.
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The accountant found a discrepancy in the company’s financial records and had to investigate.
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The discrepancy in the student’s test scores raised concerns about cheating.
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The discrepancy between the weather forecast and the actual weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
Usage
The word discrepancy is often used to describe differences or inconsistencies between two or more sets of data or information. These differences can range from small discrepancies, such as a spelling error, to major discrepancies, such as a significant difference in financial records. Discrepancies can be unintentional or deliberate, and they can have serious consequences in some contexts.
The prefix “dis-” means “apart” or “away,” and “crepancy” comes from the Latin word “crepare,” meaning “to rattle.” Therefore, “discrepancy” literally means “apart rattling” or “a difference that is noticeable.” The word is commonly used in business, finance, and scientific contexts to describe inconsistencies or errors that need to be resolved.
In everyday usage, the word discrepancy is often used interchangeably with other similar words such as “difference,” “disagreement,” and “variation.” However, these words may have slightly different connotations depending on the context in which they are used. For example, “difference” may simply refer to two things that are not the same, while “discrepancy” implies a greater level of inconsistency or error.
Overall, the word discrepancy is an important concept in many fields, particularly in those that rely on accuracy and consistency. Its usage can help to identify and resolve inconsistencies, errors, and discrepancies in information, data, and records, which can ultimately improve the quality of decision-making and outcomes.