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

“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

It was not the first time such a discrepancy affected the case.

From Los Angeles Times

The page continues to describe Hanks’s contributions and the significance of the award, creating a rare public discrepancy between the academy’s plans and its online messaging.

From Salon

He said Mr Arter's evidence about his wife's death was inconsistent and unreliable – but he did not accept any discrepancies as fact.

From BBC

Related Words

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