discrepancy
/dis'krepənsi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- an event that departs from expectations
- a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
- a growing divergence of opinion