discrepancy

Also dis·crep·ance

[dih-skrep-uhn-see]

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

discrepancy

/ dɪˈskrɛpənsɪ /

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of discrepancy¹

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

Synonym Study

See difference.

Example Sentences

Citing a height discrepancy, the National Park Service removed the 12-foot statue without notice Sept. 24 — less than 24 hours after it was erected on the National Mall.

From Los Angeles Times

"The discrepancies reported in recent testing are part of a broader, industry-wide issue," he said.

From BBC

Dr Knight said the discrepancy could be down to what young people "are and are not sharing with their parents".

From BBC

“The statue was removed because it was not compliant with the permit issued,” Interior Department spokesperson Elizabeth Peace told CNN, citing a height discrepancy.

From Los Angeles Times

While the two watched film, Hill said they found discrepancies between things Sasaki “still almost thought he was doing” in his delivery, but weren’t translating in how he actually threw the ball.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• difference 
• disparity 
• distinction 
• divergence 
• error 
• inconsistency 
• miscalculation www.thesaurus.com
• variation