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Divergent

dy-VER-junt /daɪˈvɜːrdʒənt/

adjectiveC1GRESAT

formal

Tending to be different or develop in different directions.

This word implies a moving away from a common point or standard, leading to distinct or separate outcomes. It can be positive (creative thinking) or negative (growing apart, creating conflict).

The story behind the word. The word 'divergent' comes from the Latin verb 'divergere,' which means 'to turn apart.' It is formed from the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'vergere' (meaning 'to turn' or 'to incline'). This etymology perfectly captures the sense of moving away from a common point or direction, leading to different outcomes or perspectives. It entered English in the 17th century, initially in mathematics and optics, before expanding to describe ideas and opinions.

Word relationships

differing: Simply being unlike; 'divergent' implies a process of moving apart.
dissimilar: Not alike; 'divergent' suggests a trajectory.
disparate: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
conflicting: In opposition; often implying active disagreement.

convergent: Tending to meet at a point or come together.
similar: Resembling without being identical.
uniform: Remaining the same in all cases and at all times; unvarying.

Word family

diverge (verb): To separate from another route, especially a main one, and go in a different direction.
divergence (noun): The process or state of diverging.

Collocations

divergent views
divergent opinions
divergent paths
divergent interests

Example sentences

"The team engaged in divergent thinking, exploring many different solutions before converging on the most promising approach." Discussing problem-solving.
"The economic policies led to increasingly divergent outcomes for different social classes, widening the gap between the rich and the poor." Analyzing societal trends.

Memory hook

Think of two 'DIVERS' who 'GENTLY' move apart in different directions. DIVERGENT means moving in different directions. Divers gently part

When not to use

Avoid using 'divergent' for simple difference. It implies a process of moving apart or developing differently from a shared origin or norm.

Fun facts

In mathematics, a 'divergent series' is one whose partial sums do not approach a finite limit.
The opposite, 'convergent,' means coming together, often used in contrast with 'divergent thinking' (brainstorming many ideas) and 'convergent thinking' (narrowing down to the best solution).

Related words

Polarize, Fragmentation

Explore more words

diverse, offbeat, differ, aberrant, brainstorm, multifaceted

Also appears in

Psychology → Problem-Solving & Reasoning