What is the difference between “difference,” “distinction,” and “discrepancy”?

These words are related, but they are not always interchangeable.

Difference is the general word for how things are not the same.

Distinction often means a clear or important difference.

Discrepancy usually means an unexpected difference, especially between facts, numbers, reports, or records.

Examples:

• There is a difference between the two words.

• The article explains the distinction between formal and informal usage.

• There is a discrepancy between the two financial reports.

Use difference for everyday comparisons, distinction for careful explanations, and discrepancy when something does not match as expected.