a conflict or variation, as between facts, figures, or claims
usage Discrepancy is sometimes wrongly used where disparity is meant. A discrepancy exists between things which ought to be the same; it can be small but is usually significant. A disparity is a large difference between measurable things such as age, rank, or wages
early 15c. (discrepance), from L. discrepantia, from discrepantem, prp. of discrepare "sound differently, differ," from dis- "apart, off" + crepare "to rattle, crack." Related: Discrepancies.