Meaning of Word
Discrepancy refers to a lack of consistency, agreement, or compatibility between two or more things that should be the same.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A difference or inconsistency between facts, figures, or statements.
- A situation where things do not match or correspond as expected.
- The state or quality of being in disagreement or variance.
History and Origin
The word discrepancy originates from the Latin discrepantia, meaning “discordance” or “difference,” derived from discrepare (to sound different). Introduced into English in the late 15th century, it initially referred to differences in sound but later evolved to encompass inconsistencies in data, opinions, or conditions.
Detailed Explanation
Discrepancy describes situations where there is a noticeable difference between related items, such as numbers in a financial report, accounts of an event, or expected versus actual outcomes. It implies an error, misunderstanding, or deviation that requires attention to resolve. Common in analytical, legal, or managerial contexts, addressing discrepancies is crucial for maintaining accuracy, trust, and clarity.
Example Sentences
- There was a discrepancy between the bank statement and her account records.
- The investigation uncovered discrepancies in the witness’s testimonies.
- The software flagged a discrepancy in the sales report.
- His explanation revealed a glaring discrepancy in his story.
- They worked late to resolve the discrepancy in the budget figures.
- A discrepancy in the data caused delays in the project.
- There’s a noticeable discrepancy between the promised features and the actual product.
- The scientist couldn’t explain the discrepancy in the experimental results.
- Discrepancies in pricing led to customer complaints.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Inconsistency: Lack of agreement between elements.
- Difference: A distinction or variation between two things.
- Conflict: A clash or disagreement between elements.
- Variation: A change or difference in condition or quantity.
- Mismatch: A failure to correspond or align.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Deviation: Departure from an expected norm or standard.
- Contradiction: A direct opposition or inconsistency between ideas.
- Error: A mistake that leads to incorrect outcomes.
- Variance: The state of being different or at odds.
- Anomaly: An irregularity or deviation from the norm.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Disparity: A significant difference or inequality.
- Disagreement: A failure to agree on something.
- Fault: An error leading to a discrepancy or problem.
- Gap: A difference or lack of connection.
- Irregularity: Something out of the ordinary or inconsistent.
Antonyms
- Consistency: The quality of being uniform or in agreement.
- Agreement: Harmony or alignment between elements.
- Uniformity: Being the same in all parts.
- Harmony: A state of agreement or concord.
- Accuracy: Freedom from error or discrepancy.