discrepant

the word "discrepant" originates from the latin verb discrepare, which is a compound of dis- (apart) and crepare (to rattle or creak). the literal image evoked is of two things making a different or clashing sound, like discordant noises. this concrete sensory meaning evolved into the abstract sense of being in disagreement or lacking harmony. entering english in the late 15th century via the latin present participle discrepant-, it has consistently described states of difference, divergence, or inconsistency between compared elements.

Structure: dis (apart) + crep (rattle, creak) + ant (adjective suffix) - dis: a latin prefix meaning "apart," "asunder," or having a negative or reversing force. - crep: from latin crepare, meaning "to rattle," "to creak," or "to crack." - ant: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, often from present participles, meaning "performing (a specified action)" or "being in a (specified) state."