1
Core meaning
A difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
Example
Auditors found a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment.
discrepancy
/dɪˈskrepənsi/ · dih-SKREP-un-seenoun
A difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
Use discrepancy to express this relationship precisely: a difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
What discrepancy Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The authors explain the discrepancy between the two estimates.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
A minor rounding error accounts for the numerical discrepancy.
Use discrepancy Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Auditors found a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment.
The authors explain the discrepancy between the two estimates.
A minor rounding error accounts for the numerical discrepancy.
Precision Matters
Discrepancy overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
discrepancy
vs.Means a difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
deviation
Means a departure or difference from an expected value, rule, path, or normal pattern.
discrepancy
vs.Means a difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
anomaly
Means something outside what is normal, expected, or consistent with a pattern.
discrepancy
vs.Means a difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
discord
Means serious disagreement, conflict, or lack of harmony.
discrepancy
vs.Means a difference or inconsistency between things that are expected to agree.
consensus
Means general agreement within a group.
Test discrepancy in Context
The two dates are expected to agree but do not.
1
The team investigated the ___ between the date in the catalogue and the date on the manuscript itself.