diverse

[ dih-vurs, dahy-, dahy-vurs ]

adjective

1. of a different kind, form, character, etc.; unlike:

   a wide range of diverse opinions.

   Synonyms: divergent, manifold, varied

2. of various kinds or forms; multiform.

   Synonyms: disparate, dissimilar

3. including representatives from more than one social, cultural, or economic group, especially members of ethnic or religious minority groups:

   a diverse student body.

diverse

/ daɪˈvɜːs; ˈdaɪvɜːs /

adjective

1. having variety; assorted
2. distinct in kind

Derived Forms

• diˈverseness, noun
• diˈversely, adverb

Other Words From

• di·versely adverb
• di·verseness noun
• undi·verse adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverse¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin dīversus (past participle of dīvertere “to divert ”), equivalent to dī- di- ² + vert- (base of vertere “to turn”) + -tus, past participle suffix, with -tt- regularly becoming -s-

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverse¹

C13: from Latin dīversus; see divers

Example Sentences

For many, this argument over population and immigration had become a battle over whether Americans want to live in a diverse society.

From Salon

The University of California admitted the largest, most diverse class of Californians for fall 2024, with gains in low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students.

From Los Angeles Times

He has complained about military recruitment ads that feature diverse service members, arguing that the threat of being exposed to different kinds of people would scare off "guys in Kentucky and Colorado and Ohio."

From Salon

He wants us to imagine straight male American soldiers are "honorable, powerful and deadly," but also portrays them as too feeble to handle the diverse modern military.

From Salon

According to a Washington Post analysis, the more diverse the county, the further the shift toward Trump.

From Slate

Related Words

• differing
• disparate
• distinct
• divergent
• diversified
• varied