What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
differential
Example
The differential in pay between the CEO and the entry-level employees is quite significant. [differential: noun]
Example
The company offers a differential pay system for employees who work night shifts. [differential: adjective]
Example
To solve this calculus problem, you need to find the differential of the function. [differential: noun]
discrepancy
Example
There was a discrepancy between the inventory records and the actual stock in the warehouse. [discrepancy: noun]
Example
The witness's testimony had several discrepancies compared to the security footage. [discrepancies: noun]
Example
The discrepancy in the financial report was due to a miscalculation in the expenses. [discrepancy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discrepancy is more commonly used than differential in everyday language, while differential is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between differential and discrepancy?
Differential is generally considered more formal than discrepancy, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
