divergent

[ dih-vur-juhnt, dahy- ]

adjective

1. diverging; differing; deviating.
2. pertaining to or causing divergence.
3. (of a mathematical expression) having no finite limits.

divergent

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒənt /

adjective

1. diverging or causing divergence
2. (of opinions, interests, etc) different
3. maths (of a series) having no limit; not convergent
4. botany (of plant organs) farther apart at their tops than at their bases

Usage

The use of divergent to mean different as in they hold widely divergent views is considered by some people to be incorrect

Derived Forms

• diˈvergently, adverb

Other Words From

• di·vergent·ly adverb
• nondi·vergent adjective
• nondi·vergent·ly adverb
• undi·vergent adjective
• undi·vergent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of divergent¹

First recorded in 1690–1700, divergent is from the Medieval Latin word dīvergent- (stem of dīvergēns, present participle of dīvergere ). See diverge, -ent

Example Sentences

Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s 5th District currently stretches from Los Feliz to Lancaster, for example; it’s an impossible job to understand and act on behalf of communities with such divergent needs.

From Los Angeles Times

On Election Day, the American people are making a choice between two candidates who represent radically divergent possibilities and futures for American society.

From Salon

What’s the average person to make of these seemingly divergent views?

From Salon

Salon previously reported that, despite the seemingly divergent numbers, most handicappers encourage their readers to think about their numbers probabilistically.

From Salon

The results reflect homeowners’ and renters’ divergent interests, said Kyla Thomas, a USC sociologist and director of the university’s LABarometer survey.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• atypical
• conflicting
• contradictory
• contrary
• different
• disparate
• dissimilar
• diverse
• various