Discrepancy
mediumNegative tonedis-KREP-un-see
noun
Definition
A lack of compatibility or similarity between two facts or claims
Memory hook
DIS-CREP-ancy: things that are CRACKED apart - a gap between what should match but doesn't.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“There was a discrepancy between the two witness accounts.”
“Auditors found discrepancies in the financial records.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“There was a ______ between the two witness accounts.”
Show answer
discrepancy
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Discrepancy is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "inconsistency" or "disparity" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "consistency".
Related GRE Words
disparity
A great difference or inequality
dissonance
Lack of harmony; disagreement or inconsistency between ideas, sounds, or statements
anachronism
Something that is out of place in terms of historical or chronological context
anomaly
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
disparate
Essentially different in kind; distinct and not able to be compared directly
diverge
to move or extend in different directions; to differ
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