divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

dī-

1

a

: moving or extending in different directions from a common point : diverging from each other

divergent paths

see also divergent evolution

b

: differing from each other or from a standard

the divergent interests of capital and labor

2

mathematics : relating to or being an infinite (see infinite entry 1 sense 4c) sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit

3

physics : causing rays (see ray entry 2 sense 1b) to draw apart from a common center : causing divergence of rays

a divergent lens

divergently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for divergent

different, diverse, divergent, disparate, various mean unlike in kind or character.

different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Examples of divergent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But regardless, progress won’t go far toward resetting a relationship set on divergent courses. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024

Michigan and Ohio are pursuing divergent economic-policy paths, highlighting the evolving competitive landscape between the rival neighbors. —Michael Lucci, National Review, 16 Apr. 2024

When presented with information about the strength of the economy, the candidates’ divergent policy positions or Trump’s norm-violating behavior, support for Biden among likely voters who were 55 years old or older and identified as Democrats increased from 73% to around 90%. —Chandler James, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2024

Today’s top-line lidar systems employ more than 100 semiconductor lasers whose inherently divergent beams are collimated using a complicated setup of lenses installed by hand. —Susumu Noda, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Apr. 2024

While those in this portfolio work in divergent disciplines, the connective thread is an instinctive willingness to do things differently. —Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024

The United States and Israel have divergent visions for the future of the region, Israel’s identity and borders, and U.S. strategic interests. —Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024

Some experts predicted the politically divergent instruction will lead to a more divided society. —Clara Ence Morse, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

That hasn’t stopped people from weighing in — their divergent views correspond to the spectrum of positions on the Israel-Hamas war. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dīvergent-, dīvergens, present participle of dīvergere "to proceed in different directions, diverge"

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing divergent

• divergent evolution

Kids Definition

divergent

adjective

di·​ver·​gent də-ˈvər-jənt 

dī-

: diverging from each other

divergently adverb