BharatNotes Disparity
noun (countable and uncountable); plural disparitiesUsage in a UPSC answer
The widening disparity between India's prosperous urban centres and its lagging rural hinterland underscores the need for inclusive, region-sensitive development planning if the constitutional promise of social and economic justice is to be realised.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
disparate (adj), disparately (adv), disparateness (n), disparities (n pl), parity (n)
Root
Latin dis- = not, apart + paritas = parity; par = equal; Middle French disparité
Etymology
Mid-16th century, from Middle French disparité, from Late/Medieval Latin disparitas 'inequality', from dis- 'not, apart' + paritas 'parity', from Latin par 'equal'.
Memory Hook
Break it as DIS + PARITY: "dis-" (not) plus "parity" (equality) — so disparity is literally "NOT parity," i.e. unequalness.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
A significant difference or inequality between groups, regions or measures. It is a workhorse word in GS1 and GS3, and the way to use it well is to specify the axis and the measure, as in disparity in learning outcomes between districts rather than disparity in education. A named and measured disparity supports an argument; an unnamed one is merely an assertion.
Don’t Confuse It With
Disparity is a significant measurable difference. Inequality usually implies the difference is unjust as well as large. Diversity is difference in kind rather than in amount, and carries no negative judgement. Gap is the neutral, quantitative term.
Hindi Meaning
असमानता (asamāntā) or विषमता (vishamtā).
Common Questions
- What does disparity mean?
- A significant difference or inequality between groups, places or measures.
- How should disparity be used precisely?
- By naming the axis and the measure, such as disparity in learning outcomes between districts, rather than referring to disparity in general.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2024 · GS1 · 15 marks — Indian Society
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Disparity” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation
