disparity
UK: dɪˈspærɪti | US: dɪˈspærɪti
n. a noticeable difference or inequality between things or people
n. (statistics) the state of being unequal in distribution or comparison
disparity = dis<apart> + par<equal> + ity<noun suffix>
- dis-: Prefix meaning "apart" or "not" (from Latin dis-).
- par: Root meaning "equal" (from Latin par).
- -ity: Noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition (from Latin -itas).
Etymology Origin:
The word "disparity" originates from Latin disparitas, combining dis- (apart) + par (equal). It entered Middle French as disparité before being adopted into English in the 16th century. The core idea revolves around the absence of equality, reflecting a measurable or observable difference. The root par also appears in words like "parity" and "compare," reinforcing its connection to equality.
There is a significant disparity in income between urban and rural areas.
The study highlights the disparity in access to healthcare across regions.
Gender disparity in leadership roles remains a global issue.
The report examines the disparity in educational outcomes among socioeconomic groups.
Technological advancements aim to reduce the disparity in digital literacy.