noun
discrepancy
dih-SKREP-un-see/dɪˈskrepənsi/
A difference between things that should agree.
The inspector notices a discrepancy between the supposedly equal stacks of boxes.
Etymology
The roots combine in the idea of sounding differently. This audible discord became a broader image for disagreement, including facts or accounts that fail to match.
In context
a small difference in elevation between two clocks will reveal a discrepancy in the passage of time.
More examples
- There is a discrepancy between the advertised price and the receipt.
- The witnesses cannot explain the discrepancies in their accounts.
- Please report any discrepancy in your pay immediately.
Forms
discrepancy · discrepancies
Similar words
- inconsistency
- Emphasizes conflicting details or a lack of internal agreement.
- mismatch
- Often describes things that fit poorly together, not conflicting records.