diverge

[ dih-vurj, dahy- ]

verb (used without object)

, di·verged, di·verg·ing.

1. to move, lie, or extend in different directions from a common point; branch off.

   Synonyms: fork, deviate, separate

2. to differ in opinion, character, form, etc.; deviate.
3. Mathematics. (of a sequence, series, etc.) to have no unique limit; to have infinity as a limit.
4. to turn aside or deviate, as from a path, practice, or plan.

verb (used with object)

, di·verged, di·verg·ing.

1. to deflect or turn aside.

diverge

/ daɪˈvɜːdʒ /

verb

1. to separate or cause to separate and go in different directions from a point
2. intr to be at variance; differ

   our opinions diverge

3. intr to deviate from a prescribed course
4. intr maths (of a series or sequence) to have no limit

Other Words From

• nondi·verging adjective
• undi·verging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin dī- di- ² + vergere “to incline”

Word History and Origins

Origin of diverge¹

C17: from Medieval Latin dīvergere, from Latin di- ² + vergere to turn

Synonym Study

See deviate.

Example Sentences

Because each of these models uses different maths and physics, the forecasts they provide may start to diverge over time, showing different outcomes.

From BBC

Both campaigns emphasised these diverging issues in recent weeks, and it’s clear the messaging cut through.

From BBC

“We’re going to make America better than it’s ever been,” Trump said in a rambling speech at the convention center in West Palm Beach, Fla., frequently diverging from prepared remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

In retrospect, that Saturday was when the timelines of the two Americas truly began to diverge.

From Los Angeles Times

Phillips told Salon that the Senate is where his model diverges from many others.

From Salon

Related Words

• deviate
• differ
• disagree
• dissent
• stray
• vary