student asking question

Is "discrepancy" same as "difference?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Not quite! It does indicate a difference, but usually in a way that two things "disagree" with each other or something doesn't live up to it's true value, so it implies a negative difference. Ex: There was a discrepancy in the tax submission, so the accountant is investigating the issue. Ex: These items are on sale due to production discrepancies.

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