disparity
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A significant difference or inequality between things or people, often in level, quantity, or quality.
A condition or instance of being unequal, particularly in a way perceived as unfair or unjust, such as in wealth, opportunity, or treatment. Can also refer to a lack of similarity or equivalence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically refers to observable, measurable, or significant differences. Often implies a negative evaluation or a problem to be addressed. Not used for small, trivial differences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Same connotations in both varieties: formal, often carries a critical tone regarding inequality.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in journalistic contexts discussing social issues, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
disparity in [noun]disparity between [noun] and [noun]disparity of [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms with 'disparity' as the headword]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to pay gaps, profit differences between divisions, or market performance inequalities.
Academic
Used in sociology, economics, and public health to discuss measured inequalities in society.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about social justice, wages, or opportunities.
Technical
In statistics, refers to a measure of distribution inequality (e.g., in data sets).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No direct adverb form; use 'disparately'] The funds were disparately allocated.
American English
- [No direct adverb form; use 'disparately'] The groups were treated disparately.
adjective
British English
- The disparate goals of the team members caused conflict.
- They came from disparate backgrounds.
American English
- The report highlighted disparate impacts on different communities.
- They held disparate views on the issue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too complex for A2. Use 'big difference' instead.]
- There is a disparity in test scores between the two schools.
- The pay disparity between men and women is a problem.
- The government report exposed a stark disparity in healthcare access across regions.
- Researchers are studying the causes of the growing income disparity.
- The glaring disparity in sentencing for similar crimes has raised questions about judicial bias.
- Any analysis must account for the historical disparities in resource allocation that have disadvantaged these communities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dis' (apart) + 'parity' (equality). It's when things are apart from equality.
Conceptual Metaphor
INEQUALITY IS A GAP / A DISTANCE (e.g., 'widening disparity', 'bridge the disparity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'различие' (razlichiye) for minor differences. It's closer to 'неравенство' (neravenstvo), 'несоответствие' (nesootvetstviye), or 'диспропорция' (disproportsiya) for significant, often unfair gaps.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for positive differences (e.g., 'a disparity in their talents' – better: 'a difference'). Overusing in informal contexts where 'difference' or 'gap' is sufficient. Incorrect preposition: 'disparity of' is less common than 'disparity in' or 'disparity between'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'disparity' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Difference' is neutral and general. 'Disparity' implies a significant, often unfair or problematic inequality, usually in measurable things like income, opportunity, or treatment.
Rarely. Its core meaning involves inequality, which is typically viewed negatively. It is not used for desirable variations.
'Disparity in something' (e.g., disparity in pay) and 'disparity between A and B' (e.g., disparity between urban and rural areas). 'Disparity of' is less common.
Yes, it is more formal and academic than 'gap' or 'difference'. It's common in reports, journalism, and academic writing.
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