Discrepancies: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

discrepancies

 

[dɪˈskrɛpənsiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in accounting

Differences between two sets of records, accounts, or statements that should correspond but do not. Discrepancies may indicate errors or fraud.

Synonyms

disagreement, discrepant data, disparity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
discrepancies

Use when referring to the differences or inconsistencies found between two sets of data, documents, or reports. It is often used in formal or professional settings such as audits, research, or comparisons.

  • The accountant found several discrepancies in the financial report.
  • There are discrepancies between the two research findings.
discrepant data

Use this term when talking about data that does not match or align with other data sets. It is often used in scientific, technical, or research contexts.

  • The researcher identified discrepant data in the experiment results.
  • Discrepant data may indicate a need for further investigation.
disagreement

This word is appropriate when describing a situation where there is a difference of opinion or conflict between people or groups. It is commonly used in both casual and formal conversations.

  • There was a disagreement among the team members about the project deadline.
  • They had a disagreement over where to go for dinner.
disparity

This word is suitable when discussing significant differences or inequalities, especially in contexts such as economy, society, or health. It often has a negative connotation, indicating a need for change or improvement.

  • There is a disparity in access to healthcare between urban and rural areas.
  • The income disparity between the richest and poorest citizens is growing.

Examples of usage

  • There were discrepancies between the bank statement and the company's financial records.
  • The auditor found several discrepancies in the inventory report.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts, ideas, or things.

Synonyms

disagreement, disparity, inconsistency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
discrepancies

Use this word when discussing differences or variations that should not be there, often found in data, reports, or financial records.

  • There are discrepancies in the financial report that need to be addressed
inconsistency

Use this word when referring to a lack of steadiness or uniformity, especially in behavior, quality, or performance.

  • The inconsistency in his work quality makes it hard to trust his results
disagreement

This term is best used to describe a situation where two or more parties have opposing opinions or views, often used in interpersonal or professional contexts.

  • There was a disagreement between the team members about the project's timeline
disparity

This word is suitable when talking about a great difference between things that should ideally be more similar, often used in social, economic, or health contexts.

  • There is a significant disparity in income between urban and rural areas

Examples of usage

  • There seems to be a discrepancy in the witness statements.
  • The teacher noticed a discrepancy between the student's homework and test results.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

An inconsistency or divergence in evidence or testimony that could affect the outcome of a legal case.

Synonyms

contradiction, disagreement, disparity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
discrepancies

Used when there are differences or inconsistencies between sets of data, documents, or accounts. Generally neutral in tone.

  • The audit revealed several discrepancies between the company's financial statements and its actual expenditures.
  • We need to investigate the discrepancies in these reports to understand what went wrong.
contradiction

Used when there is a direct opposition or conflict between two statements, ideas, or actions. Often implies a logical inconsistency or argument.

  • There is a contradiction between what you say and what you do.
  • Her statement was a clear contradiction of the evidence.
disagreement

Used when people or parties have different opinions or views on a topic. Generally refers to a mild conflict and does not carry a severe negative connotation.

  • We had a disagreement about the best way to approach the project.
  • Despite their disagreement, they managed to find a compromise.
disparity

Used to describe a significant difference or inequality, often in terms of quantity, quality, status, or degree. Can highlight social, economic, or other types of inequalities.

  • There is a significant disparity in income between the rich and the poor.
  • The disparity in educational opportunities is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer pointed out a discrepancy in the witness's testimony.
  • The court focused on the discrepancies in the witness accounts.

Translations

Translations of the word "discrepancies" in other languages:

🇵🇹 discrepâncias

🇮🇳 विसंगतियाँ

🇩🇪 Abweichungen

🇮🇩 ketidaksesuaian

🇺🇦 розбіжності

🇵🇱 rozbieżności

🇯🇵 不一致

🇫🇷 discrepancies

🇪🇸 discrepancias

🇹🇷 uyuşmazlıklar

🇰🇷 불일치

🇸🇦 التباينات

🇨🇿 nesrovnalosti

🇸🇰 nezrovnalosti

🇨🇳 差异

🇸🇮 neskladnosti

🇮🇸 misræmi

🇰🇿 алшақтықтар

🇬🇪 განსხვავებები

🇦🇿 uyğunsuzluqlar

🇲🇽 discrepancias

Etymology

The word 'discrepancies' originated from the Latin word 'discrepantia', meaning disagreement or difference. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, its usage expanded to various fields such as accounting, general discourse, and legal contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,512, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.