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

At a time when other companies are only just initiating racial equality programs, McDonald’s has long understood and embraced the importance of diversity.

From Fortune

Our Most Powerful Women community, now two decades old, has helped increase diversity in the top ranks of business leaders.

From Fortune

That’s why he has been prioritizing this work and internal diversity and inclusion efforts at Lowe’s since he began his tenure there in 2018.

From Fortune

While agencies have learned lessons from previous diversity drives, they still have a lot to learn.

From Digiday

I asked Lorson if she plans to consider diversity of racial backgrounds in the hiring process.

From Voice of San Diego

That would truly be a milestone to celebrate—until you see what that record “diversity” actually means.

From The Daily Beast

Parker tells of a new Texas struggling to deal with diversity.

From The Daily Beast

We know there needs to be diversity in storytellers telling their own stories.

From The Daily Beast

The speakers emphasized the diversity of the crowd and seemed to almost play defense over any perceived media attacks.

From The Daily Beast

That they will leverage their voices and their power to make real change to improve gender diversity.

From The Daily Beast

But when these are made and renewed with due care, there is, according to circumstances, a great diversity in their character.

From Project Gutenberg

In Mexico the tobacco plantations exhibit a diversity of scenery not met with in other portions of America.

From Project Gutenberg

The symptoms may comprise not only a diversity of physical ailments, but intellectual disturbances of the most terrible import.

From Project Gutenberg

A variety of geographical resources and of human resources results in diversity in the economic life of the state.

From Project Gutenberg

Less intelligible is the existing diversity of policy of the Central Authority in 1907 with regard to able-bodied women.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• diversification