Definition

1. Noun:
   • A difference between two or more things that should be the same: A lack of agreement or consistency between facts, figures, or claims.
   • An event or result that is unexpected or inconsistent with what was predicted: A departure from what was anticipated or expected.

Usage

The word "discrepancy" is used to describe a situation where there is an observable mismatch, inconsistency, or gap. It is a formal term often used in contexts like accounting, data analysis, reporting, and general comparisons to highlight errors or contradictions. - It is typically followed by "between" when comparing two specific items (e.g., a discrepancy between A and B). - It can also be used with "in" to specify the area of inconsistency (e.g., a discrepancy in the records).

Examples

• Noun:
  • There is a significant discrepancy between the sales figures reported by the two departments.
  • The auditor found several discrepancies in the financial statements.
  • The discrepancy between his testimony and the video evidence was noted by the jury.

Advanced Usage

• "To explain a discrepancy": To provide a reason for an inconsistency.
  • The manager was asked to explain the discrepancy in the inventory count.
• "A glaring discrepancy": A very obvious and significant inconsistency.
  • The report contained a glaring discrepancy that undermined its credibility.
• "Statistical discrepancy": A difference that arises in statistical data, often due to measurement errors or unaccounted factors.
  • The statistical discrepancy was attributed to sampling error.

Variants and Related Words

• Discrepant (adj): Showing a discrepancy; being inconsistent.
  • The witness provided discrepant accounts of the event.

Synonyms

• Inconsistency: The fact or state of being inconsistent.
• Disparity: A great difference, often implying inequality.
• Variance: The fact or quality of being different or divergent.
• Incongruity: The state of being incongruous or out of place.

Antonyms

• Consistency: Conformity in the application of something.
• Agreement: Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.
• Correspondence: A close similarity, connection, or equivalence.

Related Phrases

• "Account for the discrepancy": To justify or explain the reason for a difference.
  • We must account for the discrepancy before submitting the final report.
• "Point out a discrepancy": To identify and draw attention to an inconsistency.
  • She was quick to point out the discrepancy in the contract.

Noun

1. an event that departs from expectations
2. a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
   • a growing divergence of opinion