What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discrepant
Example
The results of the two experiments were discrepant. [discrepant: adjective]
Example
There was a discrepant opinion among the team members regarding the best approach. [discrepant: adjective]
contradictory
Example
His words were contradictory to his actions. [contradictory: adjective]
Example
The two theories are contradictory and cannot both be true. [contradictory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradictory is more commonly used than discrepant in everyday language, especially in formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between discrepant and contradictory?
Contradictory is more formal than discrepant, and is often used in academic, legal, or philosophical contexts to describe logical inconsistencies or contradictions.
