disparate
DIS-puh-rit
/ˈdɪs.pər.ət/
Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
Used in law ('disparate impact') to describe policies that appear neutral on paper but produce vastly different results for different groups.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'dispar' meaning 'unequal' or 'unlike' (from 'dis-' + 'par', equal, as in 'par' for golf or 'peer'). It entered English in the 16th century to describe items so fundamentally different that they couldn't even be placed in the same category.
Word relationships
- distinct: Distinct means clearly separate, whereas disparate highlights fundamental difference or incompatibility.
- divergent: Divergent means moving apart in direction, while disparate means fundamentally different in nature.
- homogeneous: Homogeneous means uniform and composed of identical parts.
- similar: Similar means sharing common characteristics.
Commonly confused with
- desperate: Desperate means feeling hopeless or extreme despair; disparate means fundamentally different in kind.
Word family
- disparity (noun): A great difference or inequality.
- disparately (adverb): In a disparate manner.
Collocations
- disparate impact
- disparate elements
- disparate outcomes
- disparate treatment
Example sentences
- "The lawsuit alleged that the industrial zoning rule had a disparate impact on minority neighborhoods." Civil Rights Law journal
- "The research team combined disparate data sources, including satellite imagery and community health records." Environmental data analysis
Memory hook
DIS-PAR-ATE = DIS (not) PAR (equal). Not on the same par. Fundamentally different; not on par.
When not to use
Pronounced 'DIS-puh-rit', not 'dis-PAIR-it'. Do not use to mean 'desperate' (hopeless).
Fun facts
- In US Supreme Court jurisprudence, 'disparate impact' doctrine allows plaintiffs to prove discrimination without needing to prove malicious intent.
Related words
Explore more words
disparity, differ, diverse, impartiality, asymmetric, dissonant
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.