'discrepancy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'discrepantia,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'crepare' meant 'to rattle or crack.'

'discrepantia' transformed into the French word 'discrepance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'discrepancy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a sound or noise that is out of harmony,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a difference or inconsistency.'