diversity

[ dih-vur-si-tee, dahy- ]

noun

, plural di·ver·si·ties.

1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness:

   diversity of opinion.

   Antonyms: similarity, sameness, resemblance

2. variety; multiformity.

   Synonyms: multiplicity, heterogeneity, assortment, variation, dissimilarity, disagreement, contrast

   Antonyms: homogeneity

3. 1. the spectrum of individual differences and the corresponding group memberships and identities that human beings have in society:

      A functioning multicultural society celebrates the diversity of its people, but diversity can also be problematic for the maintenance of a cohesive national identity.

   2. the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, sexual orientation, etc.:

      an initiative to increase diversity in the workplace.

4. a point of difference.

diversity

/ daɪˈvɜːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being different or varied
2. a point of difference
3. logic the relation that holds between two entities when and only when they are not identical; the property of being numerically distinct

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversity¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English diversite, from Anglo-French, from Latin dīversitās; diverse, -ity

Example Sentences

"Nature has relied on cell density in conjunction with genetic circuits to generate the remarkable diversity of multicellular structures, tissues, and organs," said Morsut.

From Science Daily

A study at MedUni Vienna's Department of Dermatology provides insights into the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in white and black skin cancer and describes their different immunomodulatory roles in the tumor environment.

From Science Daily

"In fact, scientists used to believe that the Y chromosome lacked genetic variety, which we believed meant that it didn't contribute much to species diversity."

From Science Daily

Although the species was probably not the common ancestor to all ecdysozoans, the authors note, the discovery contributes a significant addition to our understanding of the diversity of life before the so-called Cambrian explosion.

From Science Magazine

Their findings reveal that establishing islands of trees within large oil palm monocultures can promote the recovery of native tree diversity through natural regeneration.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• diversification