Discrepancy
/dɪˈskrepənsi/
nounB2
Definition
A discrepancy happens when two facts, numbers, or statements do not match or agree as expected. It shows that something is not the same or correct between two sets of information. People often find discrepancies when checking accounts, reports, or facts.
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See It in Action
A difference between two sets of data or facts that should be the same
- •There was a discrepancy between the sales report and the actual money received.
- •The accountant found a discrepancy in the company's financial records.
- •We need to investigate the discrepancy in the inventory numbers.
A disagreement or inconsistency in statements or information
- •The witness's story had discrepancies that made the police suspicious.
- •There is a discrepancy between what he said and what the video shows.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "discrepancy" like "difference," but it means a problem or mistake because things should match, not just be different
- ✓Picture two lists of numbers that should be the same, but some numbers do not match or are missing
- ✓It's the feeling when you find out your money does not add up in your wallet or bank account
- ✓Sounds like "dis-CREP-an-cy" → imagine a crack (crep sounds like crack) between two things that should be together perfectly
- ✓Think of a detective story where clues don’t fit the story perfectly, showing a discrepancy to solve
- ✓NOT like "difference" (which can be normal or expected), "discrepancy" means a surprising or unwanted difference
- ✓NOT like "error" (which means a mistake), "discrepancy" is the difference noticed, which may or may not be caused by an error
- ✓NOT like "conflict" (which is a fight or disagreement), "discrepancy" is about facts or data not matching
Try Other Words
- •Inconsistency: something that does not agree or match (Use when talking about facts or statements that do not fit together)
- •Mismatch: a failure to match or fit (Use when two things are not the same or do not fit well)
- •Variance: a small difference, often in numbers or amounts (Use when the difference is about amounts or measurements)
- •Conflict: disagreement or fight (Use only when the difference is about opinions or ideas, not facts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "dis-" (a prefix meaning "not" or "apart") + "crep" (from Latin "crepare," meaning "to rattle or make noise") + "-ancy" (a noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "discrepantia," meaning disagreement or difference
- •Historical development: Originally referred to things that do not agree or match; used in English since the 17th century
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in business, law, and everyday language to describe differences between facts, numbers, or statements that should be the same
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when you find a discrepancy in your personal budget or bills?
•Can a discrepancy sometimes be helpful by showing that something needs to be fixed or checked?
Fill in the blanks
1.The accountant noticed a discrepancy ___ the reported expenses and the receipts.
2.A discrepancy in the data often ___ a mistake or problem that needs correction.
3.Unlike a normal difference, a discrepancy usually ___ something unexpected or wrong.
4.When the witness gave conflicting answers, the police found a clear discrepancy ___ their statements.
5.The manager asked the team to explain the discrepancy ___ the inventory count.
6.Discrepancies often ___ attention because they can show errors or fraud.
7.Not all discrepancies are caused by errors, but they always ___ further investigation.