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

Yet most of us humans are not the divergent kinds of listeners that a Bob Moesta or Chris Voss are. —Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

When asked about their divergent paths over the past few years, Swiatek was philosophical. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

The differing responses from the U.S. and Brazilian right-wing movements is also a consequence of the nations’ divergent judicial approaches, said Malu Gaspar, a political columnist for one of Brazil’s largest newspapers, O Globo. —Jack Nicas, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

The divergent positions highlight the challenges in reaching a lasting resolution to the conflict, even while efforts to end the 15-month war progress. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

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